My Memories of Betty

by Dee Newman

My memories of Betty will forever
Remain fond, evoking laughter and tears.
There are some memories I will never
Forget, stretching back over sixty years;
Back before we even started school,
When we played together as children,
Shirtless, down in that old wading pool
On the corner of Oak Road and Garden.
From what I have been told, Betty died
As she most certainly lived – with friend
And family members by her side –
Loved and loving them to the very end.
The mysteries of the unknown lie
Not in our fears, but in our love and concern
For others, whether they be foe or ally.
Expecting nothing in return, we learn
        How to live and ultimately how to die,
        While the living commiserate and cry.

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BETTY HATCHER AHRENS of Palmyra, VA went to be with our Lord on Thanksgiving day, November 26, 2009. She died peacefully at home surrounded by immediate family, after a brief but fierce struggle with stage 4 breast cancer. Betty, a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, VA, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 26, 1944, with twin brother Billy, to parents, William S. and Hazel G. Hatcher. Betty was raised in Norris, Tennessee with her twin brother, Billy Hatcher and older brother LeRoy Hatcher. She later married Jon Ahrens and raised her family in the Greater Tampa Bay Area of Florida in the Brandon community. She and Jon retired in Palmyra, VA. Betty is survived by her husband, Jonathan Arthur Ahrens, of Palmyra; brothers LeRoy Hatcher and sister-in-law Sandra Hatcher of Knoxville, TN, William S. Hatcher, Jr. and sister-in-law Cris Hatcher of Ponce Inlet, FL; children and grandchildren, daughter Leah Ahrens Billingsley and son-in-law Chris Billingsley of Palmyra, VA parents of Alena and Austen Billingsley, daughter Dana Ahrens Heath of Tampa, FL parent of Ann-Marie, Juliana and Thomas Heath; son, Dean Ahrens and daughter-in-law Jennifer Ahrens of Brandon, FL; son Byron Ahrens and daughter-in-law Tina Ahrens, of McDonough, GA parents of Rachel and Kimberly Ahrens; son, Bert Ahrens and daughter-in-law Madeline of St. Petersburg, FL parent of Annelise Ahrens. Betty, a compassionate Christian caregiver to her children, mother, father and husband has requested that in lieu of flowers donations might be made to the Martha Jefferson Cancer Care Center in Charlottesville, VA where she received incredible compassionate care for her cancer treatment or the charity of your choice. Martha Jefferson Cancer Care Center, 459 Locust Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 982-8125. A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Norris Memorial Gardens on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 1 pm. Arrangements by Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel.