Betty Jane Vest (Hite) Rhodes, 88, of Buena Vista, Virginia, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 15, 2026.
Before she went to her heavenly home, she was a faithful servant of Christ.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She lived her life with a heart full of grace, always pointing others toward the love of Jesus. She will always be remembered as a faithful friend who brought laughter and great company.
Betty's life was marked by unwavering faith, boundless love and a servant's heart. Betty's laughter, wisdom, and kindness touched countless lives. Her greatest joy was her heavenly Father, beloved husband, and family. You could find Betty every morning reading her big black Bible and praying for her family and friends.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Willis Miles Rhodes (Pete), as well as her children, Malcolm Hite "Peewee" "(Tracy), Karen Rhodes Neas (Stuart) and Stephanie Rhodes; brother, Roy L. Vest Sr.; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty's life was a living testimony of Proverbs 31: 28-29. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." 31: "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Betty always asked her children, "Have you prayed about it?" when they were facing anything. Her children and grandchildren would always hear, "Be extra, extra careful" when she would tell them bye. Before her illnesses, she faithfully served her church, cared for the needy, and shared the love of Jesus. Betty's home was always open, her table always full, and her prayers always fervent. Her earthly passion was flower gardening, and she had the most beautiful flowers on the block.
While our hearts ache, we rejoice in the promise of John 14:2 — "that she now dwells in the place prepared for her by the Lord." Her walk in life challenges her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to carry forward her legacy of faith in Jesus. We take comfort in knowing she hears her Abba-Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Though she will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior. Betty's loving words — "Always remember and never forget, I love you," and "Be extra, extra careful!" — will forever echo in the hearts of her family and friends. Her legacy of love, faith, and gentle reminders will continue to guide and comfort all those who were blessed to know her.
The family welcomes you to a graveside service on Friday March 20, at 2 p.m. The service will be held at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice caregivers Bridgette, Britney, Liz, and Chaplin Kate for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ConnectionPlus Healthcare + Hospice in memory of Betty Jane Rhodes. Her favorite bedside attendants were her loving family, husband Pete, her nurse Karen, and CNAs Stephanie and Pee Wee. Mom would add, in her humorous way, "In lieu of flowers, my children also accept donations".
Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
