Betty Jean Willis Linkous

Betty Jean Willis (Anders) Linkous, 92, of Christiansburg and Elliston, VA, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Salem, VA. She was born on November 4, 1932, in Check, VA and was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Bonnie Vest Willis, husbands Frank W. Anders and Herbert M. Linkous, and brothers, Howard and Houston Willis. She is survived by daughters Charlotte Anders of Atlanta, GA and Donna Anders Caldwell; son-in-law Steve Caldwell of Salem, VA; grandchildren, Amber Reed Sappington (Jarrett) of Atlanta, GA, Emily Caldwell of Salem, VA, and Parker Caldwell of Alexandria, VA; step-grandchildren, Alexander Albert of New York, NY and Caroline Albert of Philadelphia, PA; and great-granddaughters, Annie and Taylor Sappington of Atlanta, GA. Betty’s mom and dad owned Roscoe’s Country Store in Check, VA, and she talked about the many farmers who would visit the store to buy almost anything they needed, even trading butter and eggs for merchandise. Living in the country led her to meet her first husband, Frank Anders, while he was working on power lines nearby and renting a room from her parents. They had many great years together, raising two beautiful daughters, gardening and canning, and traveling to places like Myrtle Beach and NASCAR races before his passing in 1994. Betty worked for nearly 40 years at Wade’s Supermarket, embracing her work and department as if she owned it exclusively, and learning new technology to support the business as it evolved over the years. She was always on the move, stocking shelves, ordering dairy goods, socializing, and checking out customers at the store. Betty got reacquainted with her second husband, Herbert Linkous, at Wade’s as he came in to “shop” frequently, and they spent nine wonderful years together, dancing the night away, whether it was at an event, the Floyd Country Store or in their garage. They also enjoyed traveling to Bluegrass and Gospel Festivals, Pigeon Forge and they even went on a couple of cruises which Betty quickly checked off of her bucket list. Betty was an amazing southern cook and enjoyed many meals with family, often on Sundays after church. The meals always included her homemade jelly and preserves and fresh vegetables from the garden or canned goods that she had lovingly prepared from the last summer of crops. Most of all, she was a servant of God, faithfully attending church services each Wednesday and Sunday, most recently as a member of New Hope Church of God. Each year, she helped make chocolate Easter eggs that were sold as fundraisers for her church. She was well known for her crocheted dish cloths which were always in demand from her friends. Betty will be remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a strong woman who never hid her opinion, especially when it came to your hair or clothes. We all have fond memories of her comments, and are thankful that God let us keep her for the time that we had. Betty always had beautiful handwriting and in 8th grade wrote an essay on “What a Good Citizen Means to Me.” “A good citizen is nice to be around. They make friends very easily and get along nicely with people throughout the country. They share with others, and treat them as they would like to be treated.” Rest in peace, good citizen. Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, with the funeral services immediately following at 2:00 PM at New Hope Church of God at 1404 Mud Pike, Christiansburg, VA 24073 with Pastor T. Michael Bond officiating and a special message by Rev. Janet Guthrie. A private family burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens mausoleum in Christiansburg, VA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the staff who lovingly cared for Betty at Brookdale Salem (Checks can be made payable to “Holiday Fund Brookdale Salem” and mailed to Attn: Business Office, Brookdale Salem 2001 Ridgewood Drive, Salem, VA 24153) or New Hope Church of God at P.O. Box 2296, Christiansburg, VA 24068. The family would also like to thank Medi Home Health & Hospice for their care over the last few weeks. Pallbearers: Parker Caldwell, Steve Caldwell, Tim Guthrie, Don Rakes, Jarrett Sappington, Randy Willis