Virginia A. Bettis

On March 16, 2018, at the age of 88, Virginia Alene Bettis, our sweet Mother, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Alene led a life of unselfishness and dedication to her family and her Christian faith, and while she will be greatly missed, we are joyful that she will be spending eternity with family and friends who have preceded her in death.

Alene was a lifelong resident of Hot Springs. She was born in Bonnerdale, Ark., on June 24, 1929, the youngest of four children. Alene and her mother, Ida Belle Payte, were exceptionally close and, thanks to the kind spirit of Charles, Alene’s husband, Belle was welcomed into their home and resided there for 50 years, becoming an important influence that would carry forward to succeeding generations in our family.

Alene was preceded in death in 2016 by Charles (Charlie), her husband, best friend and devoted partner of 67 years. They married in 1948, one year after graduation from Hot Springs High School and, together, forged a good life that was rooted in faith, dedication to family and filled with service to their church. Their values and character have served as a guide to multi-generational family members.

Alene is leaving behind two sons and their wives, Charles Brian and wife Paula, and Christopher Allen and wife Cora. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Alene was a rare combination of gentleness, feistiness, humbleness, generosity and occasional stubbornness, but mostly selflessness and love. Even in her last years, battling Alzheimer’s disease, she maintained an engaging and pleasant personality and was inspirational to those who shared those years with her, particularly the caregivers at Lake Hamilton Health and Rehab where she is beloved by many. Our gratitude to them is immense.

We rejoice in the knowledge that she “fought the good fight, finished the course, kept the faith” 2 Tim. 1:7. If she were still with us, she would say: “You are reading in the newspaper that I am dead. Do not believe a word of it. I am more alive than ever before.” (A “borrowed” quote from D.L. Moody). That was our Mom.

Arrangements are with Gross Funeral Home.

The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.