Elbert - Betty Jean Castle, 88, of Elbert, West Virginia passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Welch Community Hospital in Welch, West Virginia.

Betty was born on August 10, 1934 in Welch. She was the daughter of the late Lucinda Milam. After the death of her mother at an early age, Betty was raised by an aunt and uncle, Mary and Crockett Bishop, in Welch.

Betty was an exceptional wife, mother, and friend who enjoyed cooking and sharing her delicious recipes with family and friends. Betty had a green thumb, and also enjoyed planting and growing beautiful flowers as well as a vegetable garden. She previously attended both the Filbert and Gary United Methodist Churches.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, Raymond P. Castle, Jr.; granddaughter, Alexis Nicole Castle; half brothers, Robert Stanley, James Milam, and John Milam; half sisters, Louise Morris, and Stella Scarberry; and a niece, Bonnie Elkins. Betty was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Those left to cherish her memory include two sons, Johnny Ray Castle and wife, Susan of Pineville, West Virginia, and Patrick Castle and wife, Cassie of Bluefield, West Virginia; daughter, Diana Castle of Elbert, West Virginia; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Estep and husband, Johnathan of Hampton, Virginia, and Ann Colvin of Christiansburg, Virginia; one grandson, her "little man" Tristan Castle of Bluefield, West Virginia; five great grandchildren, Jonah, Olivia, and Eli Estep of Hampton, Virginia, and Trever and Tyler Colvin of Christiansburg, Virginia; niece, Rita Hall of Galax, Virginia; nephew, William Scarberry of Bellmawr, New Jersey; her precious fur baby, Big Tom; and many other special friends who were considered family.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ruperto Dumapit and staff for their many years of care, and to the staff and caregivers of McDowell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care during her short stay at the facility.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM from Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch, West Virginia with Pastor Virginia Castle officiating. Burial will follow at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, Virginia with a graveside service to be held at 3:00 PM. Pallbearers will be Betty's family and friends.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Fanning Funeral Home Chapel in Welch from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Miracle Mountain Wilderness Park, 7162 Miracle Mountain Road, Gary, West Virginia 24836, or to the McDowell County Humane Society, PO Box 714, Welch, West Virginia 24801.

Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Castle family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com.