Burkhart, Velda Betts

Velda Betts Burkhart, 90, of Blacksburg, Va., died on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at her home. She was born in Calhoun County, W.Va., on July 15, 1918, the daughter of Fenton and Ella Connolly Betts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. G. Wayne Burkhart; her parents; and her brother, Donzel E. Betts. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Donzel Wayne and Cynthia Drake Burkhart, of Trenton, Ohio, and Larry Lee and Sharon Akins Burkhart, of Richmond, Va.; and four grandsons, Phillip Drake Burkhart and wife, Katie Alaine, Victor Drake Burkhart, Jabin Seth Burkhart, and Jonathan Lee Burkhart and wife, Tamara Michele.

Mrs. Burkhart was graduated magna cum laude, from Glenville State College, Glenville, W.Va., and taught in the public schools of West Virginia for eight years. Then after receiving a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan, she worked in college and university libraries for 26 years, including Ohio State University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Kenyon College (Ohio), and Virginia Tech. She was on the faculty of Virginia Tech Library for 15 years, retiring as Head of the Cataloging Department in 1983, with the rank of Associate Professor.

While Velda enjoyed her career greatly, her top priorities were always her family and her church. She was a member of the Blacksburg Baptist Church for 40 years. She served her church and her Lord in many capacities including deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir singer, chairman of finance, church moderator, music committee chairman, etc. and served a four-year term on the state Virginia Baptist General Board. She was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, and was an avid traveler, having enjoyed five overseas tours after retiring.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008, in the Blacksburg Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy McDearis, Dr. Ray Allen and Dr. Don McKinney officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106-A, Roanoke, Va. 24018. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, October 5, 2008, at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, S.W., Blacksburg, Va.