Betty Fariss Petersen

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved sister Betty Fariss Petersen on Oct 23, 2025 at 84 years of age. She is survived by her sisters Theresa Tocci and Dede Black; close cousins Susie Whiteside and Peggy Littrell and cherished friends Donna and Pete Phillips.  She is preceded in death by her husband Kai Petersen.

Betty was born in San Francisco CA Jan 2, 1941 to Martha Stivison Fariss and Samuel Thelbert Fariss and raised in Elliston and Roanoke VA.  She spent most of her career with the Federal Bureau of Land Management in Washington DC and Cheyenne WY.  Kai and Betty returned to VA to retire to the lovely home they built in Bedford VA.  Soon after Kai's passing, Betty moved back to Roanoke where she made many friends in the Park Oak Grove retirement community.

Betty admired art, loved to cook, and read, and embarked on several cruises with Kai to Scandinavia.  She enjoyed fine dining, conversation, wine, and a good bourbon and soda.  She was witty, smart, and funny, and always maintained her Southern charm.

She will be sorely missed, and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. A gathering for remembrance will be scheduled next spring when the magnolias are in bloom.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.