Betty Mae Ankley

Betty M. Ankley, 90, passed away at her home in Springfield, VA, surrounded by loving family, on May 9, 2015. She was born on July 15, 1924 and was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna Thompsen of Grayslake, Illinois.

Betty married the late retired Col. William J. Ankley on August 9, 1945, at Camp Gruber in Muskogee County, Oklahoma. They were married for 47 years until his death in 1993. The couple had two children, the late retired Col. Steven P. Ankley and retired Lt. Col. W. Jeffrey Ankley. Betty lived a long life of selfless service and dedication to her family, community and country. She was a loving and supportive Army wife, published poet and avid traveler. During her husband's military service she resided in Japan, Germany, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, Louisiana and Virginia. She is survived by many family members and dear friends and was preceded in death by her sisters Dorothy E. Hansen and Alma M. Hanert.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. Like her husband before her, Betty Ankley will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.