Florence Blythe Settle
July 11, 1937 – November 4, 2024
Florence B. Settle, lovingly known as 'Flo,' passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at the age of 87 at her home in Goodview, Virginia, with her son Rick and daughter Vicki by her side. She was predeceased by her adoring husband, Millard W. Settle, on August 31, 2024.
Florence B. Settle, lovingly known as 'Flo,' was born in the beautiful Hudson Valley on July 11, 1937, in Westchester County, New York, in the town of Peekskill. She was the youngest of six children born to her parents, William G. Blythe, and Olive M. Vail. Her family had deep ties to Peekskill, dating back to its founding.
Flo was raised in Peekskill, attended public schools, and graduated in 1956 from Peekskill High School. During her high school years, she was the Drum Majorette for the band and actively participated in many activities. She loved to dance and was recognized as the best dancer, even having the opportunity to dance on the American Bandstand TV Show. She cherished her childhood memories, especially the times spent with her relatives.
She met the love of her life, our dad, on a blind double date. By agreeing to fill in for her ill friend, Mom stepped in, and the rest was history. When they met, dad was stationed at West Point Military Academy, just across the Hudson River from Peekskill. Had our parents lived until December 21, 2024, they would have celebrated 68 beautiful years of marriage.
Mom was an exemplary mother figure and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, respect, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for family, friends, and others. Many times, she would shop to give back to those in need, especially children she knew who might need a new pair of shoes. She and Dad would anonymously donate money, bags and baskets of food for families, sometimes secretly leaving the packages at their front doors. Mom had a strong faith and was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta, VA.
Mom never met a stranger and had a radiant smile that lit up the room. She often smiled, spreading joy wherever she went. Her smile and laugh could fill any space, and no family gathering was complete without her famous secret Red Velvet cake. Mom was an excellent cook and master baker, owning a home bakery for several years while also working full-time at Sears. Despite wearing many hats, she ensured that her family had a hot meal on the dinner table every day.
Every week, she made our favorite Applesauce cake for dessert. She was always sharing samples of her baked goods with friends and family. Mom's famous Red Velvet cake, made from her secret recipe, was legendary. When her church friends asked for the recipe, she would say, 'It's a secret recipe and it's kept at my bank in their safe!' She loved sending and receiving greeting cards for any occasion; we think she was Hallmark's greatest fan.
Mom had won the DAR scholarship in high school and attended business classes. Her first job was at the Graymoor Monastery - The Franciscan Friars and Sisters of Atonement in Garrison, NY. After her marriage, she was a devoted stay-at-home mom, and later, when we were a little older, she pursued a long career as a Roanoke County School Bus driver from the Vinton bus lot. She formed strong bonds with the children on her bus route, always showing concern for their well-being. If you rode her bus, she was known for giving out her baked treats and goodies for special occasions and holidays.
While driving for the Vinton bus lot, she drove many sports teams to events—football, baseball, track, and many others. She worked for many years for Sears Roebuck in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and retired after many years at Sears in Valley View Mall. Even after her retirement, she returned to work as a School Bus Aide on the Special Needs bus from the Vinton bus lot, a job she loved dearly. She was the quintessential sports mom and creator of many magical moments for her family, especially her four children. She loved sports and, first and foremost, being born in New York, she was a die-hard New York Yankees fan. In 1977, our mom was named Vinton Mother of the Year.
Mom is survived by her four children: Vicki Settle and Rick Settle, both of Goodview, VA; Bill and Sally Settle of McAlpin, FL; and Mike Settle of Oakland, California. She is also survived by her granddaughters: Callie Wilder (Duncan) of Fernandina Beach, FL, and Carlie Settle of Thomasville, GA. She leaves behind two great-grandsons, Henry, and William Wilder. Over the years, Mom had many dogs, and she leaves behind her beloved dogs, Maggie Mae, and Emmet.
She is survived by her beloved sister, Olive Conklin of Campbell Hall, NY. Mom shared a close and loving bond with her sister, their relationship a testament to the enduring strength of family. They were inseparable throughout their lives, supporting each other through all of life’s joys and challenges. She also adored her sister-in-law, Rebecca Blythe of Niceville, FL, and cherished her many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her brothers: Merritt Kear, William G. Blythe Jr., and Charles Blythe, as well as her sister, Lenora Mooney. Mom treasured the company of her two dear school bus driver friends, Evelyn Welsh and Shirley Chewning, whose friendship brought her immense joy and support through the years, sharing countless memories.
We would like to thank the 'Angels' of Gentle Shepherd Hospice for all their support and care during our parents’ journey, especially Pam, Penny, and Donna. A special thank you to our mom’s aide, Jayden A., whose help was invaluable.
Being a military wife for 26.5 years, Mom traveled extensively due to my father’s career. She adapted remarkably well to living in places like Okinawa, Germany, and many other locations, where she met countless lifelong friends. In Germany, she volunteered as a Girl Scout Brownie leader and assisted with the Cub Scouts, in addition to other charities. She devoted countless hours to supporting her children with their education, providing advice on personal matters, nurturing their many hobbies, and attending numerous sporting events. Often, she sat in the rain, cold, and snow to show her unwavering support.
Our mom was a wonderful mother who will be remembered in our hearts forever for her kindness. She was dedicated to being a wife to Dad, a mother, and our friend. She taught us many invaluable lessons, instilled great values, and provided unwavering support. We are honored to be your children. Through her sickness journey, she showed us what it looks like to live bravely and always with joy and a smile. She was known for her trademark spunk, even until the end. Mom, you will forever be a bright, guiding light to our family and loved ones. Thank you for being not only our mom but also a good friend. We know your smile is now even brighter, reunited with Dad.
With love, from your lucky 4.
Mom wished to be cremated. A memorial service for our parents will be held at a later date and will be posted on the Vinton Lotz website – www.lotzfuneralhomevinton.co
In lieu of flowers, if you care to donate in Flo’s honor, please consider contributing to some special places important to her: Wounded Warrior Project – Donate Online
· To mail a donation: Wounded Warrior Project P.O Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
Franklin County Humane Society - 18401 Virgil H Goode Highway Rocky Mount, VA
