Betty Collins Persinger, 74, of 1037 Cliftwood Circle, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died, Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born April 9, 1937 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Walter W. Collins and Goldie Frances Plogger Collins.

Mrs. Persinger was an employee of the former Jane Colby Inc. in Clifton Forge.

She was a life long member of Mallow Presbyterian Church and was very active in the Presbyterian Women's Work, where she had held a number offices.

She was a member and Secretary/Treasurer of the Ed Matics Sunday School Class. Betty was a active member of the Daylight Circle; Chairman of the Bereavement Committee and a former Sunday School Teacher. She served on the Electoral Board with the Peters Switch District.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Dawn Persinger in 1991; her twin brother, Billy Joe Collins; brother, James "Bovie" Collins and her step-mother, Earless Plogger Collins.

Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Frank E. Persinger, Sr, of Clifton Forge; two daughters, Debbie Garner and her husband, Carl of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Joyce Rose and husband, Barry of Clifton Forge; one son, Frank Persinger, Jr. and wife, Mary of Clifton Forge; six grandchildren, Matthew Garner and wife, Fran of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Ginny Smith and husband, Brian Smith. of Roanoke Rapids; Heather Brooks and husband, Stan of Fredericksburg; Ashley Walton and husband, Chuckie of Covington; Elise Persinger and Kendall Persinger, both of Clifton Forge; two step grandchildren, Stacey Rose and Jon Rose and wife, Ryann, all of Covington; seven great grandchildren, Hayden Garner; Avery Garner; Dawson Garner; Brian Smith II; Collin Smith; Paisley Rain Brooks and Tinley Shine Brooks; one sister, Gloria "Medgie" Railey and husband, Bill of Covington; two sisters in law, Barbara Collins of Clifton Forge and Sonja Collins of Covington; and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the Mallow Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Gary Marshall officiating.

The interment will be made in Alleghany Memorial Park.

The family received friends Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Jon Rose, Matthew Garner, Brent Railey, Mark Persinger, Jasper Persinger, Kendall Persinger, Melvin Persinger and George Persinger.

Arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home in Covington, Va.,