Betty Joyce  (Vannest) Abels, 91, of Ravenswood, WV, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Ravenswood Village, Ravenswood, WV, following a brief illness.

She was born December 2, 1933, in Millwood, WV,  a daughter of the late Clyde Dwight and Sarah (Ball) Vannest. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William G. Abels Sr., and brothers, Roy and Ray Vannest.

She graduated from Ravenswood High School and was a very active member at the Wilding Community Church where she played piano and was a Sunday school teacher. Betty was a member of the Silverton Grange #506 for 52 years, as well as a member of the West Virginia Grange. Betty was involved in the Ravenswood Senior Quilters, and enjoyed sewing, flowers, and gardening.

Survivors include her sons, William G. Abels "Jr." (Sheila) of Ravenswood, and Lester Abels, of Ravenswood; daughters, Susie Whited (Rod) of Ravenswood, and Beth Ford (Ken) of Salsberry, MD; brother, Joe Vannest of Ravenswood; sister-in-law, Patty Vannest-Groves; grandchildren, Kelby Abels, Scott Whited (Patty), Billy Whited (Crystal), Crissy Lewis-Dryden (Bobby), Sean and Hanna Ford, Julie and Doug Miller, Chris Ford, Erin and Opie Holderby, and Emily and Brian Ramsey; 21 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Ravenswood Village for their care of Betty during her time there.

Service will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Pleasant View Church, Ravenswood, WV, with Bill Perry officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:  Pleasant View Cemetery, c/o Teressa Creel, 2189 Sugar Run Road, Millwood, WV 25262.