Betty Ray Matthews age 71, of Keymar, Maryland formerly of Independence, Virginia passed away on Dec. 13, 2024, at John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland following brief illness. She was born Oct 10, 1953, Lee and Ruby Barker Ray.

Betty was a very loving and kind person totally dedicated to her family.  Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and especially her great granddaughter.  She was always direct and to the point and had no problem in being verbally expressive about her opinions!  She would do anything to help people and often prepared and hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at her home for those who had nowhere to go.  She was an avid fan of playing bingo at the local firehouse.  While some of her family lived 600 miles away, she insisted on daily conversations.  She didn't need civic organizations, clubs, or hobbies, her family provided all that she needed to live a full and productive life.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Matthews of Timonium, Maryland; two daughters, Natalie Russell of Seneca, South Carolina and Tiffany Matthews of Keymar, Maryland; two sons Robert Parish of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and David and Jenny Matthews of Baltimore, Maryland; five grandchildren, Kyle Matthews, Thomas Stielper, Dakota Matthews, Emily Matthews, and Shiloh Matthews; one great granddaughter, Elaina Stielper;  two Nephews, Craig Bunn of Georgia, Robert Bunn of Maryland. She is also survived by her long time special friend, Richard Tipton, of Baltimore, Maryland, her best friend, Cindy Hardin of Pennsylvania and other extended loving family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Dorothy Boone, brother, Donald Lee Ray, and Bill Ray. And nephew, Ronald Bunn,

Funeral will be Wed. Dec 18, at 2:00 at the Forest United Methodists Church in Elk Creek, VA with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Gleasanna Dixon will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to John Hopkins Children's Center 1800 Orleans Street Baltimore, MD 21287.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Matthews family.