Betty Ann Gaither

Born in Virginia, Betty lived a life rooted in faith, service, and a deep love for her family.

Betty joined the United States Air Force where she met her husband, Charles Gaither. While in service she was instrumental in design and creation of space suits for chimpanzees entering space. Betty worked for many years as an X-Ray Technologist at NASA and HealthFirst where she was loved by all for her hard work and compassion. Betty and Charles have lived in Merritt Island for 60 years, where they raised their family. She loved to travel the world, enjoyed trips to Biloxi and Las Vegas, gardening, but most of all, she cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose faith guided her life.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Maude Yates; and sisters Rose, Georgia, Linda and Reba.

Betty was survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Charles Gaither; her children and their families; son Charles Gaither Jr. and his wife Janice; daughter Rebecca Morgan and her husband Jim; and son David Gaither and his wife Angela.

Betty’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Michael Gaither and family; Jessica Creasy and husband; Mitchell Gaither and family; Brittany Ross and family; Morgan Gaither and family. She is also survived by her sisters Mary, Margaret, Lue, and Katherine; her brothers, Bill and Rusty; and many beloved great-grandchildren.

She did not disappear; she became a light. The weight of her years fell away, and what remained was peace. Her last breath here was her first breath home.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the lord forever.” – Psalms 23:6

A funeral service will be held March 2, 2026, at 9:30am, at Wylie- Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island Florida. Burial will follow at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida, at 1pm where she will be laid to rest with military honors.