Betty Roberts Stanley
Betty Roberts Stanley, 96, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was born on April 23, 1930, in Roanoke.
Betty was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a wonderful mother to her four children and a beloved grandmother who cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Granny.” As a mother, Betty provided her family with a rich example of the value of laughter, hard work, honesty, and always being willing to offer a helping hand.
Betty was widely known as the President of Lakeside Amusement Park, her family’s business and an iconic landmark in Salem, Virginia, for nearly 50 years. Her father purchased Lakeside in 1936, and Betty became a familiar and well-loved presence throughout the park. Employees knew that when Betty arrived, she would make her rounds throughout the grounds. Her presence was so well known that employees would alert one another over their walkie-talkies, saying, “Mrs. Stanley is making her rounds,” which was a signal for everyone to be on their best behavior. The Roberts family eventually sold Lakeside in 1981.
Betty’s forthright nature was evident not only in business but also in her relationships with family and friends. She was never hesitant to offer her opinion, but she was always there with a helping hand when needed. The 200 Club was a social outlet for Betty for many years, and she especially enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home. Her excellent home cooking was one of the ways she expressed her love, and no one ever left Betty’s kitchen table hungry.
Betty loved life to its fullest. She enjoyed spending time in Florida, first as a child and later in retirement with her husband, Curtis, during the winter months beginning in 1988 until his passing in 2007. She was a lifelong resident of Roanoke County before moving to Salem, where she resided at Friendship Salem Terrace. In her final days, Betty was cared for at the Good Samaritan Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, where she passed peacefully surrounded by all four of her children.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Curtis N. Stanley; her parents, Hugh L. Roberts and Mary Garst Roberts; her brothers, Elbyrne Roberts, Beverly Roberts, Harold Roberts, Roger Roberts, and Linwood Roberts; her sister, Imogene Stewart; her granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Atkinson; and her grandson, Caleb Ashley Mullins.
She is survived by her four children: Joshua Atkinson and wife, Anna Leah, of Kapaa, Hawaii; Lisa Atkinson Cox and husband, Sam, of Mounds, Oklahoma; Curtis N. Stanley II and wife, Teresa, of Montgomery, Texas; and Robin S. Hamilton and husband, Mark, of Penhook, Virginia. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Joshua Mullins, Paul Kelley, Joseph Mullins, Lacey Stanley Thomas, Lindley Hamilton, Christina White, Haylie Hamilton, Natalie Hamilton; and two great-grandchildren, Rilynn Milczarski and Ellie White.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at the Good Samaritan Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, where Betty received exceptional care from such compassionate and caring people. The family extends a special thank you to Brittany and Sarah, who are both members of the Good Samaritan Home Hospice Care team. They would also like to thank the staff at Friendship Salem Terrace, as well as Betty’s home caregivers, Debra, Christina, Cora, and Sissy, for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, 4751 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017.
A private graveside service will be held on September 8, 2026. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date.
