Betty Jean White

Betty Jean White, 85 years of age, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 9, 2022 in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Before that time, she lived many of her years in Clarksville, Indiana and will be returning to Indiana for her eternal rest. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley; sisters, Brenda Stroud, Linda Stroud, Marilyn Simpson, and Martha Derby; brothers William Stroud, Novy “Fred” Stroud, Robert Stroud, and Guido Stroud.

Betty was born August 24, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late William and Veneda Stroud. She spent most of her childhood in English, Indiana. As the eldest daughter, she was heavily relied on to help raise her 5 brothers and 6 sisters. Her family later moved to Reno Avenue in New Albany where she worked at the New Albany Box and Basket Company. It was also in New Albany where she met her future husband, Wesley White. They were married on August 5, 1960 at Culbertson Avenue Baptist Church. The newlyweds moved into their home on Briarwood Drive in the Blackiston Heights neighborhood of Clarksville where they remained together for over 50 happy years of marriage until Wesley’s death in January 2011. Betty spent most of her married years as a homemaker, raising her two daughters, Susan and Ronda. She was also a regular babysitter for several family members. Later, she worked as an attendant at the Elm Street Quick Wash in New Albany. Before moving from Indiana, she was a member of the DePauw Memorial United Methodist Church in New Albany. In 2013, after early stages of her dementia were diagnosed, Betty moved to the Richmond, Virginia area to live closer to her eldest daughter’s family.

Betty enjoyed sewing clothes, cooking, and gardening. Like her husband Wesley, she loved to travel. She was able to see many places in America together with Wesley and with her daughters. Family was important to her as she always tried to keep in touch, visit extended family members and was a regular attendee at family reunions.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Rosko (David) of Henrico, Virginia; Ronda Fischer (Brian) of Macon, Georgia; siblings, David Stroud (Joan) of English, Indiana; Eunice Swartz of Sellersburg, Indiana and Mary White of New Albany, Indiana; and her two grandchildren, Elizabeth Rosko and Mark Rosko both of Richmond, Virginia. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Betty was blessed by many years of outstanding care in the Richmond, Virginia area as her dementia progressed. Her family would like to thank the staff at the following: Circle Center Adult Day Services, The Haven Assisted Living at Cold Harbor, and Amedisys Hospice Care. They also want to show their appreciation to these excellent nursing aides during her time at The Haven: Pansy McFarlin, Kerryann Perue, and Alicia Gallimore. These wonderful ladies showed their love for Betty every day, with a gentle, professional, and comprehensive care that included special things like their homecooked meals. Their care of Betty brought great comfort to her family.

A visitation for Betty will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, Indiana 47150, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. The funeral service will also be streamed on Facebook Live on the Kraft Funeral Service Facebook page.

Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband Wesley, in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana 47150.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy of Betty may be shared at www.kraftfs.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Betty’s name to Circle Center Adult Day Services, 4900 West Marshall Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230 or https://circlecenterva.org/ways-to-help/donate/