Betty Wooddell Ralston
Betty Wooddell Ralston, 102, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 18, at 8:20 p.m. in Charlottesville, VA, at the home of her daughter, Kathy, and son-in-law, Mike. Daughter, Phyllis, Kathy, and Mike were at her bedside.
Born September 25, 1923, in Youngstown, OH, Betty was the adopted daughter of maternal uncle, Joseph Wooddell, and wife, Mamie, after the death of her birth mother. She spent seven years in Green Bank, WV, before the family moved to Cass, WV. She attended Green Bank High School, often described by her as “some of the best years of my life.” Following high school, she attended Mountain State Business College in Parkersburg, WV, where she prepared for a variety of jobs in her early life.
On September 14, 1946, she married Earl W. Ralston in Cass, WV. The family moved to Ronceverte in 1952, and Betty immersed herself in the daily activities of raising a family, caring for her aging father, and engaging in the community life of Ronceverte. She began working at the First National Bank in Ronceverte in 1956, retiring in 1986 to travel, volunteer in her beloved community at the local hospital, elementary school, nursing homes, community organizations, the library, and for any number of friends who needed a helping hand. Her fifty-year membership pin from the Ronceverte Women’s club was a cherished memento, and her early support and fundraising efforts for the Riders of the Flood production in Ronceverte was only surpassed by her role as Mrs. Knapp in the production. Betty was also a valued member of Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, since 1952, where she took on roles in the choir and as Sunday School teacher, liturgist, Elder and Deacon, and Circle leader for fifty years.
Betty was known to have a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a sharp wit. Bank patrons patiently waited for her “window” to open, so they could razz her about the latest loss (or win) of the Dallas Cowboys. She gave it right back – never missing a beat. She listened to the Mountaineers football and basketball every time they played – frequently cheering them on with “come on boys” or “interception” or many other instructions via the airways. She loved to listen to the Greenbrier East boys’ and girls’ games and knew the players by name – some attending her church – where she would high five them at church after a win or give them an encouraging word about their play. A highlight of celebrating her recent 102 birthday was the GEHS Girls Soccer Team serenading her at her home with the happy birthday song. Oh my, she loved that! Her enthusiasm for sports led her to participate in the Over the Hill Gang bowling league, until the age of 95, participating in league play and traveling to events around the country. She loved her team members and bragged about their skills, but mostly she loved the camaraderie and friendships she developed over the years.
Preceded in death by husband of 40 years, Earl, in 1986; grandson, Jeff Allen, in 2003; son-in-law, Larry Allen, in 2012; adopted father and mother, Joe and Mamie Wooddell; brother, Bob Wooddell; sisters, Mary Frances O’Brien and Dorothy Bruss.
She is survived by daughters, Phyllis Allen (High Point, NC), Kathy Ralston (Mike McMahan), Charlottesville, VA; granddaughter, Rachel McMahan (Karl) of Palmyra, VA; granddaughter, Tracey (TJ) Lichtenberg (Lewis Center, OH); great-granddaughters, Cortney Lichtenberg (Colorado Springs, CO), Avery Lichtenberg (Chicago, IL), Ellie Lichtenberg (Columbus, OH); sister, Nancy Mullan, (Atlanta, GA); many nieces, nephews, and friends, who she loved dearly.
The family wishes to give a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers from Village Caregiving in Lewisburg, WV; and Loving Arms in Charlottesville, VA; HospiceCare of Lewisburg, WV; and Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville, VA, for the loving compassionate care they gave Betty during her final weeks of life. Additionally, thanks to the many friends she loved, who took her to appointments, church, and grocery shopping, and also brought her treats.
A celebration of life, where family and friends can gather to honor and remember Betty, will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church with Rev. Stephen Baldwin officiating. The family will gather to receive friends at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home, Ronceverte, Friday, December 5, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Interment will be Sunday, December 7, at Arbovale Cemetery in Arbovale, WV, for family members only.
Betty requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, 261 Locust St., Ronceverte, WV 24970 or the Ronceverte Public Library, 500 Main St. W, Ronceverte, WV 24970 would be greatly appreciated.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte is in charge of arrangements.
