Betty Rose Young

Betty Rose Young was born on March 4, 1935, in Washington, D.C., the eldest of five children born to Leon and Marion Etheridge. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the age of 90. Her life was marked by love, dedication, and quiet strength.

Betty attended Morgan Elementary, Francis Junior High, and Armstrong Technical High School in D.C., where she developed a passion for athletics. She earned a reputation in her neighborhood as a fearless pitcher in sandlot games at Logan Circle. She often recalled with pride the broken finger she sustained catching a ball without a glove—a lasting symbol of her toughness and resilience.

In 1953, Betty married the love of her life, Walter Young of Culpeper, Virginia. Together, they built a life grounded in love and family, raising two daughters, Angie and Tashia, and two sons, Walter Jr. and Anthony. Their marriage spanned 54 years until Walter’s passing in 2007.

Betty spent much of her career working in the defense and research sectors before retiring from the National Institutes of Health in 1976. In retirement, she embraced her most cherished role: being a devoted mother and grandmother. She played an integral part in raising all eight of her grandchildren, who were always safe and well cared for in Grandma’s hands.

She and Walter shared a love of travel and leisure, especially enjoying their beach house in southern Maryland and frequent trips to Atlantic City. While Walter enjoyed people-watching, Betty had her own agenda—tackling the slot machines with a secret system she never revealed but swore by. She also cherished spending time with her parents, extended family, and close friends, especially during gatherings and special occasions.

Creative and curious by nature, Betty also possessed strong artistic abilities, much like her sister Josie. She set an inspiring example for her children by attending the Corcoran School of Art and later returning to school in the 1980s to earn her associate’s degree from the University of Maryland University College.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Angie and grandson Corey. She is survived by her children Walter Jr. (Maria), Anthony, and Tashia; grandchildren George, Audrey, Stephanie, Sean, Brian, Justin, and Brandon; and a growing legacy of 19 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Betty had a special gift for making others feel at ease. Her kindness, warmth, and protective spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She touched the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers with her compassion and grace. Her legacy of love, strength, and resilience lives on in the hearts she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the American Diabetes Association.

A visitation for Betty will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 25, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904. A committal service will occur Friday, April 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783. A repass will be held after the committal service at Cross Creek Club, 12800 Bayhill Dr, Beltsville, MD 20705.