Betty Lou Steen

Betty Lou Steen, age 94, of Oak Hill, WV passed away at home March 25, 2025, on her birthday. Family, close friends, and caregivers visited, celebrated, prayed and sang Happy Birthday to her during that afternoon. She passed away at 9:45 PM with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.

Betty was born in 1931 at Turkey Knob, WV to Hattie Hinkle and Boyce Woods. She graduated from Montgomery HS and WV Institute of Technology. She achieved a master’s degree plus from the College of Graduate Studies. Betty’s first place of employment was at the C&P Telephone Company in Montgomery, from which she later resigned to start a family.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, James O McArdle, and second husband, Nordahl M (Steve) Steen. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra Kaye, her brother, Alton Woods and her very special nephew Charles Kellam.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Hans Mateboer of Weaverville, NC; Brothers, Joe Kellam (Doris) of St.Albans, Charles (Phyllis) of Wheeling, her sister-in-law Betty Woods of Chesapeake, and sister-in-law Pat Cooper of Delray Beach, FL, cousins Gerald Warwick (Joyce) of Oak Hill, and Patricia Freibert (Dave) of Lexington, KY.

Betty taught at Collins/Oak Hill High School for 11 years. She sponsored the Future Business Leaders of America and encouraged her students to compete at the state and national levels. She formed lasting relationships with several of her students.

After leaving the school system Betty participated in other organizations such as the Fayette Fine Arts Council, The Fayette Study Club, and the American Association of University Women, where she took on leadership rolls.

She took time to travel throughout the world with her husband Steve. They enjoyed summers on their boat at Summersville Lake with family and friends.

She was a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church where she, along with others taught the Shirley Donnelly Sunday School Class. She cared deeply for the members of her church family who visited her on many occasions when she could no longer attend.

Betty had a passion for helping others. She was involved with the Fayette County Emergency Food Center, where she served as Treasurer, drove the food truck, prepared chili for hot dog sales and helped do whatever was needed. She liked working with all the volunteers at the food pantry. She served as a board member for United Way during this time.

She served for 26 years as an AARP tax aide representative, and for several years as an educator/coordinator for the state of WV. Betty was very committed to doing taxes for others.

In addition to her volunteerism, Betty assisted family members and friends with shopping, care, and trips to the doctor throughout her life. She always found time to give a hug or brighten the day of someone who needed it.

In her last years she liked to work crossword puzzles and often said “I can keep my brain active even if my body isn’t.”

She loved and deeply appreciated her care givers, Emily Rollins, Anita Scarbro, Connie Bailey, Melanie Nady, and Kathy Farley. The family is especially grateful to them for their love and care for her. In addition, to LuAnn Hazen, who helped keep her household operational. Eddie Fruit, her “adopted” son visited and checked in with her often. Cindy Bush Owens kept in touch with her with cards, phone calls and gifts. Betty loved her animals. They brought her so much joy!

Services will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Oak Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Samuel Blaylock officiating. Entombment will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 12:30 until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Light refreshments and time of fellowship for family and friends will follow the committal service at Oak Hill Baptist Church parlor.

In lieu of flowers donations in Betty’s memory may be made to Fayette County Emergency Food Bank, PO Box 735, Fayetteville, WV 25840 or Oak Hill Baptist Church, 613 Lundale Dr., Oak Hill, WV 25901 or the Lewis House, 214 Main St., Oak Hill, WV 25901 or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Betty Steen is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home.