EUNICE~Betty M. Elfert passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019, peacefully at home
surrounded by family. She was born on September 20, 1929, to Ben and Eva Guillory
Miller of Eunice, Louisiana.
After graduating from St. Edmund's High School, she attended S.L.I. in Lafayette where
she met her future husband, Joseph Elfert. They were married in 1949 and together they
raised 9 children and shared careers in education. Mrs. Elfert served as a lector for many
years at St. Philomena Catholic Church, and regularly attended Adoration of the Holy
Sacrament. She was a member of Catholic Daughters and the American Legion Auxiliary
for many years. Mrs. Elfert taught at St. Edmunds High School, Basile High School and
ender her 40+ year career as an Associate Professor at Nicholls State University. She was
a member of Phi Kappa Phi and always sought out ways to encourage excellence. She
was honored by the university when she was given the title Associate Professor Emeritus.
She fondly recalled her teaching years and always enjoyed hearing from her former pupils
who remembered her dedication to excellence. She sponsored many clubs and
organizations and was known for assisting students in need throughout her career. She
especially enjoyed being a Beta Club, cheerleader and pep squad sponsor at Basile High
School. Many times her children were told, "I love your mother, she was the best teacher I
ever had!" A statement they could echo, as they had her as a teacher both at home and at
school. She was the most determined person most of us would ever know. She never let a
challenge get the best of her and strived to overcome any adversity. She was a loving
mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be dearly missed by her family.
She is survived by 2 siblings, 9 children, 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Her
children are: Dr. Dan Elfert (Stephanie), Gretchen Chaumont (Ronnie), Rachel Christ
(Gerald), David Elfert, (Mary Beth), Monica Hanley (Jack), Thomas Elfert (Mark Nelson),
Philip Elfert, Maria O'Neal (Deustche), and Elizabeth DeBerry (Drew). Siblings are: Dr.
Ben Miller, Jr. (Katherine), and Deanna Bischoff.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Eva Guillory Miller, her in-laws, George
and Hortense Richard Elfert, her husband of 67 years, Joseph D. Elfert, Sr., and siblings
and in-laws: Jack and Lois Miller, Stoche and Beneva M. Langlois, Julius Bischoff, Jim
Miller, Charles and Sevil Elfert, Fracis Elfert and Emile Elfert.
The family requests visitation on Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 9-11 A.M. (Rosary at
10:00 A.M.) at St. Philomena Church in Labadieville, LA and visitation in Eunice, LA at
Ardoin's Funeral Home from 6-9 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony
Church in Eunice, LA on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 11 A.M. Interment will follow at
Miller Cemetery in Eunice, LA.
Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457.3371 is in charge of arrangements
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