Betty Rothschell

Betty was born in Cookeville, TN. She was the only child of Nellie Evalyn Boyd and Hartford McKinney Boyd, both deceased, of Cookeville, TN. She felt blessed to have been raised by Christians in a Christian home. Betty was the wife of James David Rothschell, Jr. They were married on August 4th, 1973, in Cookeville, TN. Her family was her treasure. She is survived by her husband James David Rothschell, Jr., their cherished son Patrick Rothschell, daughter-in-law Samantha Dyvig-Rothschell, granddaughters Piper Dyvig-Kelly and Eve Rothschell. Also, their cherished daughter Rachael Aston, son-in-law James Aston, grandsons Eric Aston and Jacob Aston all of Smyrna, TN.

The Boyd Family settled farmland in Cookeville, TN in 1853. Her family origin was primarily of Scotland, England, and Northwestern Europe. Betty was a descendant of the Chisam’s from Scotland through her maternal great-grandmother. This is documented through the Daughters of the American Revolution. She lived with her parents in Cookeville, TN; Pleasant Hill, TN; Madisonville, TN; and Baldwin, FL.

She graduated from Baldwin High School (Baldwin, FL) in 1967 and went to Lake City Junior College (Lake City, FL) from 1967 to 1969. She graduated from Tennessee Technological University (Cookeville, TN) where she received a B.S. in Business Education in 1971 and a M.A. in Secondary Education in 1972. Betty and her husband Jimmy met at Tennessee Tech.

She worked as a Business Education Teacher at Morristown High School (Morristown, NJ) during 1972-1973 and also at Williamstown High School (Williamstown, NJ) during 1973-1979. She and her husband moved to Smyrna, TN, in 1979. The family attended the LaVergne First United Methodist Church. She helped to raise her children before returning to work in 1992. She gained the title of Certified Professional Secretary. Betty “Evalyn” worked for the TN Department of Labor & WD, Human Resources Division (Nashville, TN) beginning as an Administrative Secretary and as an HR Analyst 3 at her retirement in 2015. She worked for 30 years, seven years with the State of New Jersey and 23 years of service with the State of Tennessee. She enjoyed commuting to and from work with the Smyrna State Van Riders.

Through the years she enjoyed sewing, crafts, sampler needlework, furniture refinishing, cake decorating, creating festive occasions, holiday decorating, yard sales, and spending time and laughing with her family. Her proudest accomplishment was watching her children exceed her expectations.

Betty is survived by many paternal and maternal cousins, including but certainly not limited to George Boyd, Carol Kelly, David Boyd, Lois Horsley, and Lou Ann Watts.

She enjoyed her husband’s family and enjoyed working on their family tree. She is survived by brother-in-law Martin “Mart” Rothschell and sister-in-law Diane Gresh Rothschell of Williamstown, NJ; niece Wendy Rothschell and nephew-in-law William Bardall of Gloucester City, NJ; brother-in-law David “Dave” Rothschell and sister-in-law Beverly Thoman Rothschell, deceased, of Clementon, NJ; nephew David Rothschell, Jr., and niece-in-law Denean Mullen Rothschell, and great-niece London Rothschell of Erial, NJ; and niece Christy Rothschell of Clementon, NJ; and niece Ashley Rothschell of Stanton, CA, daughter of Thomas “Tom” and Debbie Rothschell, both deceased. She is also survived by Aunt Karen Rothschell, Stanton, CA.

She was the kindest, most loving person you could have met. She loved her family immensely and always looked to help people. She set an example of how to be a good parent and friend. She was the most wonderful wife, Momma, Grandma, in-law, and friend anyone could have. She will be truly missed and there will not be a day that goes by that she will not be thought of.

Visitation with the family will be on Friday, August 15th 2025, from 4-8pm. As well as on Saturday, August 16th 2025, at 10am.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service in her honor at on Saturday, August 16th 2025, at 11am, with burial to follow. A reception will be held afterwards.

Visitation and memorial will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens which is located at 5350 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen foundation in her honor in lieu of flowers.