Betty Roe RichardsALTOONA, FLORIDA AND FORMERLY OF MARION AND IRONTON: Betty Roe Richards, age 84 of Altoona, Florida and formerly of Ironton and Marion, passed away on February 20, 2017.Betty was born on July 12, 1932 at Hitchens' Switch, Kentucky, to Robert L. and Amanda Sue Roe. Betty is the last of three siblings: Hershel, James Lowell, and Louise; five half siblings: Milford, Orville, Ruby, Allie Mae, and Virginia.Betty married Virgil Richards on January 1, 1948, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Jane (David) Herrod of Marion. Aunt of: Mike (Joni) Richards, Mark (Melissa) Sladoje, Douglas (Laura) Sladoje, Todd (Lena) Sladoje, Steven (Karen) Sladoje, Jill Sladoje, Mark (Kathy) Roe, Brian (Amy) Bevins, Kristen (Phil) Eversole, Rev. Jerry Rhea, and Ardella Rhea.Betty graduated from Jackson High School in 1949; she was given special permission to skip homeroom so she could fix breakfast for Virgil, who operated earth moving machinery at his father's strip mine. Betty had several jobs, including housekeeping, millinery, seamstress, and secretary at Ashland Oil and Refining Company. Pursuing the coal industry, they moved frequently, living in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, then back to Ironton, Ohio.They moved to Marion, Ohio when Virgil became an operator trainer for the Marion Power Shovel Company. Betty often accompanied her husband as he trained operators for the "The Shovel" throughout Great Britain, Canada, Morocco, Turkey, South Africa, and Australia.Betty was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church, the Noren Circle, and Bible Study Fellowship. She diligently studied God's Word, continuing at the Belleview Baptist Church after retiring to Summerfield, Florida.An accomplished artist, Betty founded the Polymer Clay Guild of Central Florida, creating many beautiful works of art from polymer clay.Betty lived at Lakeview Retirement Community for her remaining years. She looked forward to meeting her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and reuniting with her husband, Virgil, of nearly sixty years.Friends and family are invited to enjoy a Celebration of Betty's Life on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2PM at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Dave Herrod of Marion.Donations may be made, if desired, in Betty's memory to the donor's or to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Floor, New York New York, 10001.