Elisabeth Miller Hanley passed away peacefully in her home on August 21, 2011. She was born in Houston, Texas on April 17, 1918 to Ida May and G. V. Miller. She graduated from High School in Houston and obtained a degree in Art from The Texas State College for Women (now the Texas Woman's University) in Denton,Texas. She early on acquired the nickname of Libby.
She married John (Jack) Hanley during WWII while he was in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army. After the war, they settled in Tyler, Texas for several years until they decided to buy and operate a mail order nursery and garden retail center in Carbondale, Illinois. There, they enjoyed a successful venture and made many friends from the University and community.
When they decided to retire in 1981, they came to Lakeway where Libby became very active in her Chapter of P.E.O., an international organization promoting educational opportunities for women. Libby was a 50 year member of P.E.O. serving a term as President wherever she lived. Through the years she contributed much of her time and talent, including her delightful illustrations as well as favorite recipes to the Cook Books produced by her present chapter.
Libby was an accomplished and recognized watercolor artist who inspired and encouraged the next generation of artists while sharing the techniques of the arts which she had acquired. The game of Mah Jongg was one of her fun interests for many years, playing with friends in friendly competition as well as teaching the game to others, giving them the pleasure of the game. She particularly enjoyed and was a very gracious hostess in her home for the groups in which she was active and for her wide circle of friends.
Libby is predeceased by her husband, Jack, her parents, sister, aunt and a cousin. Family survivors are her cousin, Billy Hayslip of Port Isabel, Texas and her husband's niece, Elaine M. Wilson and his nephew, N. Richmond Alexander - both of Warwick, Rhode Island.
Libby with her independence of spirit and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed not only by her family but by her many dear friends. Libby asked that recognition and thanks be given to her devoted caregivers, Betty Doty and Emilee Lacy. They made her last days as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
Libby chose to be cremated as did her husband, Jack. A memorial service will be held in the Lakeway Church on September 1, 2011 at 11 AM. After the Service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, The P.E.O. Foundation, clo Chapter FK, 11210 Solitary Fawn Trail, Austin, TX 78735 or The Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway, TX 78734.
