Elizabeth Thomas Obituary

Elizabeth "Betsy" Thomas

September 9, 1930 - October 28, 2024

Elizabeth "Betsy" Ritchie Thomas, age 94, passed away on October 28, 2024. Betsy grew up with her six siblings on the family farm in Dinwiddie. While living in Richmond, she met her husband, William "Bill" Thomas, to whom she was married for 43 years. Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; siblings, Helen R. Dixon, Ray Miller Ritchie, Jr., Charlotte R. Addington and James H. Ritchie; and a beloved niece, Lenora Elizabeth Ritchie. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Stephen S. Ritchie, of Fernandina Beach, FL; her sister, Mildred R. Holder, of Richmond; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families whom Betsy adored.

After earning her degree, Betsy enjoyed a career as a medical technician. Betsy and Bill resided in the Stratford Hills area of Richmond for many years. They then moved to Lakewood Manor where they had a wide circle of friends. In the spring of 2024, Betsy moved to Spring Arbor of Salisbury to live near her sister, Mildred. Betsy's family would like to thank the staff of both facilities who cared for her so lovingly. Betsy was easy to love; she never said an unkind word, was always generous, cheerful, and grateful for everything anyone did for her.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 12 p.m., at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Ave., followed by a reception at Welborne United Methodist Church, 920 Maybeury Ln., Richmond, 23229.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Richmond's First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, 23220, where Betsy attended and served for over 50 years.

West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home