Betty Galela Talbott Anderson left her earthly home for her Heavenly reward Feb. 15, 2026.

Betty was born June 16, 1934, in Elkins, W.Va., to Forrest and Roxie Reid Talbott. She graduated from BrownsburgHigh School and briefly attended Shenandoah Conservatory in Dayton, Va. In moving to Virginia in 1950, she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Anderson, who preceded her in death after 67 years of marriage.

Betty was a dedicated homemaker who faithfully tended both her household and the family farm. She raised children, sheep, poultry, hogs, and a variety of wildlife. Many a lamb's life was saved lying on the open oven door or in a box by the heat register. She raised an orphaned fawn into an antlered buck and fashioned a blaze orange vest for him to wear in November. For a time, she had a pet skunk corralled in the kitchen. She left scraps on the doorstep each night for those nocturnal animals that depended on her. Betty had a loving spirit, adopting strays, whether people or animals.

After her children were raised, Betty worked for Mt. View Farms Greenhouse, creating life-long friends and “playing in the dirt.” Even at an advanced age, she sat at the potting bench while trays and seedlings were delivered to her green thumbed hands. Betty was a voracious reader, often reading several books at the same time. She was a news “junkie” and up to date on current events and politics until her death.

Betty began her Christian education at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church (Elkins, W.Va.), and then continued her faith journey at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge Baths. She was active in the Presbyterian Women and a member of the quilting group and the morning Circle.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Roxie Reid Talbott, her husband, Tom, two brothers, Forrest Jr. and Jim, a son, Marty, and a great-grandson, River.

Betty is survived by a daughter, Gail Heslep; a son, Tate Anderson and his wife Brenda; and five grandchildren, Gwen Whitmore and her husband Neil, Erin Caldwell and her husband Jeremy, Jeremy Anderson, Cara Anderson, and Brandi Anderson; and five great-grandchildren, Lillie and Anna Caldwell, Charlotte Whitmore and Brantley Owens.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Bethesda Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Malcolm Brownlee.  Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bethesda Presbyterian Women or Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.