Betty Louise (Henry) Rizer

Betty Louise (Henry) Rizer

     KEYSER, WV - Betty Louise (Henry) Rizer entered the arms of her Lord on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the age of 101.  

     Born on April 20, 1923, in Westernport, Maryland, to the late Rhoda “Lola” Evelyn (Noland) and “Ossie” Clifton Henry, Betty was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and servant of God.

     In addition to her parents Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 58 years, George Gardner “Bud” Rizer; her sons, Stephen Craig Rizer and Mark Allen Rizer; her grandson, Tristan Gardner Rizer; her granddaughter, Tiffany Leigh Croft; and her sisters, Dorothy “Dotty” Jean Henry Zacot and Beverly Ann Henry Jones.

     Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are her daughters-in-law, Mary Kaye Rizer Cooper and Brenda Faye O’Haver Rizer; her grandchildren, Stephanie J. Oates and husband Joe and Daniel Craig Rizer and wife Karson; seven great-grandchildren, Elisabethe Ashton, Gabriel Croft,  Caden Oates,  Averi Oates,  Stephen Rizer,  Brier Rizer and a special great-granddaughter, Raelynn Mayhew; great-great-grandchildren, Allen, Tristan, Venus and a new baby boy as well as many loved nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.

     Betty’s early years were spent in Westernport before moving to Keyser, WV, in 1935. A talented clarinet player and music enthusiast, she enjoyed dancing to the tunes of big bands and singers of the era. After graduating from high school, she found employment in local industries and government but also discovered love. In the early 1940s, she met “Bud” Rizer. The couple married on December 30, 1944, after Bud returned from World War II, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted until his passing in 2002.

     Unwavering faith and dedication to God were hallmarks of her life. She was honored by the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in June 2024 with the prestigious Harry Denman Evangelism Award, recognizing her exceptional ministry and commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Her passion for evangelism and her dedication to First United Methodist Church and the Potomac Highlands District spanned decades.

     Betty’s involvement in church life was comprehensive and vibrant. She participated in countless church events, from Sunday School to community outreach programs like Trunk-or-Treat and Summer Movie Nights. She made thousands of prayer shawls for people in need of uplifting and faith.  Even at 101, Betty served on the Church Council, demonstrating her steadfast dedication.

     Her commitment extended to the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), where she began serving as president in 1964 and later took on district-level leadership roles. Betty’s tireless efforts included organizing conference-wide meetings, spiritual retreats, and bus trips to jurisdictional gatherings across the country.

     One of Betty’s greatest passions was the Christian Academy, a program designed for potential lay servants but open to all. As a director for over 30 years, she oversaw everything from recruiting instructors to maintaining meticulous records of participants’ progress. Her focus on evangelism and spiritual growth impacted countless lives, and although she recently retired from this role, her legacy continues to inspire.

     Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Betty remained an active member of her faith community, using technology to connect with others, offer encouragement, and lead in prayer. She consistently urged fellow congregants to return to their faith communities and remained a model of resilience and devotion.

     Betty Louise Henry Rizer’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. Her memory lives on in the countless lives she touched and the enduring legacy of her unwavering commitment to God. She will be deeply missed but joyously celebrated as she reunites with her Savior and her loved ones in eternity.

     The family would like to express a special thank you to Gary and Debbie Seldomridge, Peggy and Phil Warnick, Penny Bradford and John Mark Clements for their years of love and loyalty to Betty.

     In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in honor of Betty Rizer to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 232, Keyser, WV 26726.

     Friends will be received on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church from 12:00 – 2:00pm. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:00pm with Reverend Beth Jacobson officiating. Inurnment in Potomac Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.

     Condolences may be left for the family after Betty’s obituary at www.markwoodfuneralhome.com

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