Betty C. Yates

Betty Ann Campbell Yates

February 18, 1935 – August 30, 2024

On February 18, 1935, Barclay and Sadie Campbell welcomed their second child and first daughter, Betty Ann Campbell, into the world.

 A beautiful and intelligent little tomboy with curls and dimples growing up in the Mill Creek community of Cleveland, VA, Betty became a standout student and athlete. Agile in both body and mind, Betty had many interests in which she excelled (e.g., drama, music, literature, leadership, etc.), but it was the playing of basketball- first at Cleveland High School, then at Lees-McRae Junior College, and finally, at Radford College- that was the highlight of her young life.

 Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, Betty began her 34-year teaching career and coached basketball with great success. During her teaching career, she directed plays, taught public speaking, English, and history, and coached students for National History Day and forensics competitions. In each endeavor, Betty won several awards, including being Russell County Teacher of the Year.

 It was on a blind date arranged by a dear college friend that Betty would meet her future husband, Clyde Yates, from the Glade Hollow section of Russell County. Romance between the two blossomed and they were married on August 13, 1959, at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Living briefly on Main Street in Lebanon, the couple would soon purchase their first home in Cleveland, where they lived from 1962 to 1967. They would move from their home in Cleveland Heights to their newly purchased farm in the Spring City community, where they built a house and lived until shortly after Clyde’s death in 2019. Their 59-year marriage would be one of uncommon communication and teamwork. Since they were both extremely motivated and hardworking, they were able to achieve many goals that they had established together, as they entertained many friends and family at their gracious home and well-ordered farm.

 Sadly, in 1983, this dynamic and athletic woman was forced into a more sedentary lifestyle as rheumatoid arthritis began to impede Betty’s physical ability.

 In later years, Betty enjoyed attending Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church, exploring Russell County history and genealogy, and recording local wildflowers, always with Clyde at her side. They were loving, present, and involved parents and doting grandparents.

 Preceding her in death is Betty’s husband and true companion, Clyde, and her parents, Barclay and Sada (Sadie) Campbell. Betty was the last living child of her parents, and she keenly missed her brothers, Bobby and Ted, and sister, Faye (Barton), who had head starts toward their heavenly home.

 Betty leaves behind two daughters, Ava Puckett and Ann Lavender (husband Frank); five grandchildren, Benjamin Gilmer, IV, Andrew Gilmer (wife Laura), Elizabeth Jones, Ava Jones, and Susan Jones; and four great-grandchildren, Helen, Zaida “Frankie”, Clyde, and Crockett Gilmer, and ten nieces and nephews.

 A private celebration of life will be held at Ketron Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Rev. Jeff Tallent presiding.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church (24 Tate Ave, Lebanon VA, 24266) or Cleveland Lifesaving Crew (P.O. Box 129, Cleveland VA, 24225).

 Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made on our website at chfunerals.com or on our Facebook page. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, Va. 24266, 276-889-4444.