Obituary for Betty Ruth Plaugher (Welch)
Betty Ruth Plaugher, 94, of Heathsville, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 with her family at her side. Betty was born in Mobile, Alabama to William Joseph Welch and Josephine Ruth McCleary Welch. She married the late Vessey Golden Plaugher in 1945.
Betty is survived by her three daughters: Joy Anne Paxton-Collis (Gene), Judy Sharon Kistler (Alan) and Linda Ruth Medley (Ben); her one son Raymond Thomas Plaugher; her thirteen grandchildren: Marisa, Chris, Jennifer, Jessica, Jackie, Shannon, Joy, Padraic, Bradley, Shane, Pamela, Skyler and Travis; her twenty-one great-grandchildren: Desiree, Alyssa, Alex, Bryce, Kathryne, Samantha, Leah, Kellsey, Abby, Ashlyn, Kavan, Laila, Tori, Brooklyn, Lucas, Allie, Grayson, Jimmy, Grace, Luca, and Jack; and her one great-great-grandchild: Aston. Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother, W. J. “Sonny” Welch, Jr.
The greatest accomplishment of Betty’s life is her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she was a beloved constant in their lives. After many years raising her family and being a supportive military spouse throughout Vessey’s career in the Air Force, Betty embraced retirement. She and Vessey became snowbirds and enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Florida for many years. They also loved to camp, spending many trips at the Bay Quarter Shores campground, which ultimately led to their permanent move to Bay Quarter in 1984. Their time in BQS was filled with many family visits from their children and grandchildren, which were full of Betty’s famous pancake breakfasts, crabbing on Presley creek, and hunting for crab floats along the jetties. The Northern Neck was home for Betty until 2015, when she moved to Fredericksburg to be closer to her family. Betty loved to spend time in her garden and was known for her green thumb and beautiful flowers. When she wasn’t in her yard gardening, she enjoyed feeding the many birds that frequented their home and working on her plentiful quilting and sewing projects. Betty loved all animals – especially dogs, a trait that runs deep in her family. She also enjoyed helping children read at Northumberland Elementary School and volunteering at the public library. Betty touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Betty’s memory by making a donation in her name to Friends of the Northumberland County Animal Shelter.
Betty is survived by her three daughters: Joy Anne Paxton-Collis (Gene), Judy Sharon Kistler (Alan) and Linda Ruth Medley (Ben); her one son Raymond Thomas Plaugher; her thirteen grandchildren: Marisa, Chris, Jennifer, Jessica, Jackie, Shannon, Joy, Padraic, Bradley, Shane, Pamela, Skyler and Travis; her twenty-one great-grandchildren: Desiree, Alyssa, Alex, Bryce, Kathryne, Samantha, Leah, Kellsey, Abby, Ashlyn, Kavan, Laila, Tori, Brooklyn, Lucas, Allie, Grayson, Jimmy, Grace, Luca, and Jack; and her one great-great-grandchild: Aston. Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother, W. J. “Sonny” Welch, Jr.
The greatest accomplishment of Betty’s life is her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she was a beloved constant in their lives. After many years raising her family and being a supportive military spouse throughout Vessey’s career in the Air Force, Betty embraced retirement. She and Vessey became snowbirds and enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Florida for many years. They also loved to camp, spending many trips at the Bay Quarter Shores campground, which ultimately led to their permanent move to Bay Quarter in 1984. Their time in BQS was filled with many family visits from their children and grandchildren, which were full of Betty’s famous pancake breakfasts, crabbing on Presley creek, and hunting for crab floats along the jetties. The Northern Neck was home for Betty until 2015, when she moved to Fredericksburg to be closer to her family. Betty loved to spend time in her garden and was known for her green thumb and beautiful flowers. When she wasn’t in her yard gardening, she enjoyed feeding the many birds that frequented their home and working on her plentiful quilting and sewing projects. Betty loved all animals – especially dogs, a trait that runs deep in her family. She also enjoyed helping children read at Northumberland Elementary School and volunteering at the public library. Betty touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Betty’s memory by making a donation in her name to Friends of the Northumberland County Animal Shelter.