Bettye Ruth (Murphy) Balthrop

Bettye grew up in the Fluellen community of Robertson County Tennessee and was a graduate of Coopertown HS. She was a housewife, mother and business professional. Bettye worked in the insurance industry, in the Office of the Mayor – Nashville Davidson County, with WTVF Channel 5 in Nashville and later through retirement with the Finance Department of Metro Nashville Davidson County.

She was a member of the Goodlettsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church and enjoyed many friends in the local Goodlettsville dining community especially friends and beloved Staff at Ruby’s Restaurant (at Mason’s Motel).

Bettye was very active in local politics and served as a Davidson County Committee Woman and on the Metro Nashville Council. Bettye enjoyed helping others personally and professionally and was a guiding and enabling influence to many. She held a special fondness for the mission and the staff of the Nashville Fire Department.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Preston Balthrop. She is also preceded in death by her daughter Margaret (Balthrop) Rhodes, her parents and sister Maybelle (Murphy) Edwards of Springfield, TN.

She is survived by daughter Mary Jane Balthrop (Sherman Hanks), son-in-law Bill Rhodes, son Hal (Kerri) and son Bart (Julie) all of Goodlettsville. Grandchildren include Jason Garrison (Beth), Ashley Rhodes Jones (Steven), Keely Balthrop Higbie (Michael), Caitlin Balthrop Moffitt (Josh), Halston Balthrop (Brittney), Tyler Balthrop, and eleven (11) great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank friends and staff of Jubilee Hills for their love and care. Becky, Kathy and Papa at Ruby’s Kitchen Restaurant for their love. And, a special thanks to dear friend Edgar Lowe of Goodlettsville, TN.

Per her wishes, no funeral service or visitation will be held. There will be a private family graveside burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Goodlettsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 226 S Main St, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 or to reach a church staff member for assistance by phone at (615) 859-5888.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the family during this time.