Betty Lou Dove, 91, passed away on March 5th, 2024, in Port Allen, LA.

Betty was the fourth child of 14 born to George Washington and Nida Mae Dolly. In 1950 she became pen pals with Lois Dove, amazingly also a child of 14. This friendship resulted in Betty’s brother Henry falling in love and marrying Lois, and Betty finding love with Lois’ brother Alfred. These would not be the only unions made between the Dollys and the Doves, and they make for wonderfully large family reunions today.

Married in 1952, they spent their 52 years together raising their 4 children and instilling lifelong homesteading knowledge and memories in their grandchildren on their farm in Gore, VA. Never one to shy away from hard work, Betty was aways a wealth of knowledge when it came to farming, planting, canning, cooking, and quilting. She had a biting sense of humor, and once you got her on a role you could guarantee tears in your eyes. Betty was a member of the Church of God E.I.M.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alfred Lee Dove, her son Leo Milton Dove Sr, and siblings Henry, Mernie, Mary, Walter, Eula, Ruby, Ralph, Jo Ann, and Carl.

Betty’s memory lives on in her children Kitty Dixon, Eileen Keller (Bill), and John Dove (Melinda); daughter-in-law Francisca Dove; grandchildren Winfred Dixon, Sandra Keller, Cathleen Powell (Adam), Leo Dove Jr (Elaina), and Raquel Dove; great-grandchildren Maya, Leo, Elliott, Haley, Lucas, and Miles; siblings Joy, Kathrine, George, and Ruth; many nieces and nephews, and much extended family.

Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband Alfred in Shenandoah Memorial Park, in Frederick County, VA. Services will be private.