Ruth Betts

Ruth Maxine Betts, 97, went to be with our Lord on December 13th. One of 15 children in the Howard family, she was born on September 6th 1928 to Thomas Howard and Rose Thompson Howard in Webbville. She is the last of her large childhood family, and enjoyed sharing priceless memories of Webbville when there was both a hotel and railroad station.

A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother, she is known for her generous spirit to not only her immediate and extended family but also her neighbors. During her life, she raised not only her own three children, great grandchildren and stepchildren, even helping support some to attend college and start careers. She is known by dozens as a second mom. if a family member needed her across the state or even the country, she would go whenever she was able. In addition, she took pride in her work at Western Electric and Sears during her years in Ohio.

Maxine had an active life. She was comfortable at home telling family stories while sharing bicuit recipes or snapping beans, but also thought nothing of using a woodchopper at the age of 90, before a stroke slowed her down a little. In her 90's, she loved watching and feeding the birds, especially the crows, spoiling her dog Sophie, giving her grandsons car rides on her walker, and listening to the Grand Ole Opry and all country singers from decades past. She could also tell a few tales about them. Music was a joy in her life. She played guitar and sang in the church in her youth. Both her daughters sang one professionally and her grandson plays the guitar.

Maxine also knew the power of family love. At the age of 7, she was in a semi-coma at home and almost died of an epidemic that had killed many neighborhood children. Her father convinced Doc Thompson, also a family relative, to let him give her the medicine at home. Her father sat all night giving her a double portion and she recovered. Doc Thompson told her dad that he followed that same dosage and saved many children afterwards. She always felt her dads love that night gave her the rest or her life.

Maxine is preceded in death by her husband Eddie Betts and her children Corliss Wickline, Jetto Blevins and Doris Claudale Blevins. She is survived by her grandson John Charles Ratcliff, granddaughter Cheasequah Blevins, great granddaughter Natilya and Christian Wornstaff and great great grandson Wade Wornstaff as well many nieces, nephews and Kentucky, and Ohio cousins and especially two childhood friends who are both 97. Maxine Betts will be missed as one who contributed much shared much and loved much as well. Her stories will live on and her spirit will echo in many hearts every day.

Visitation will be at Young Funeral Home Chapel in Louisa on Saturday, December 20th from 10am to 12pm, followed by the funeral at noon. Pastor David Boggs from her church, Cherorkee Freewill Baptist will officiate.