Elizabeth (Betsy) Watson Hoefer left this world Dec 18, 2025. Drawing on her strong Christian faith, Betsy spent much of her life giving back to her fellow man. From a very young age, she desired to work with children. Teaching was her passion and during her 31-year career she experienced teaching before and after integration.
Born in Mt. Sterling on March 8, 1937, the family moved to Winchester. Betsy attended Hickman Street school and graduated from Winchester High School in 1955. She attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, earning a degree in education in 1959.
Betsy was devoted to keeping up with her friends. If something was going on in their lives, they could count on a note or small gift with a lot of meaning. Betsy always seemed to know the right thing to do to help.
When Betsy was 15 years old, she went to Chautauqua, New York and got a job at Chautauqua Institute as a waitress. Betsy continued her summer employment at Chautauqua for eight summers and attended seminars there throughout her adult life.
At various times, Betsy resided in Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana and Virginia. Betsy is survived by her three sons, and their wives Bruce and Kelley Hoefer, Bob and Connie Hoefer, Jim and Rose Hoefer. Betsy had 4 wonderful grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
To honor Betsy's wish of not having a funeral, please consider a small donation to Telford Nursing Home and/or McCready Manor, both of whom took wonderful care of Betsy and are in Richmond. The family will have a private celebration of life.
