Bettie Ruth Strickland, 84, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. Bettie was born to Fred and Ollie Taylor Tench in Ware Shoals, SC on June 29th, 1939. She was the youngest of 7 children. For 67 years Bettie was able to share a long, wonderful life with the ate Thad Edgar Strickland. Together, they lovingly raised their four children Debra Strickland, Thad Jr Strickland, Michael Ray Strickland, and Jimmy Strickland.
As a young family, Bettie worked full-time to provide for her family and when her children were grown, she and Thad adopted their three grandchildren, Shannon Sloan, Michelle Stroup, and David Finch, to raise as their own. If you ever asked Bettie how many children she had, she would happily and often aggressively answer “Seven, they are all my children.” But that was just how she saw her family. She was the kind of mother who would help anyone in need. You see, Bettie never let anyone do without and often gave shelter, food, or clothing to anyone she believed was in need.
Once retired, she volunteered at the Anderson Creek Fire Department as an EMT. Though she enjoyed this time in her life, her biggest love and passion was spending her free time with her family camping, fishing, boating, going to the beach, dancing, cooking, teaching life lessons, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
Bettie also loved the Lord. She attended Northwood Temple for over 50 years. She raised her family in the faith of her Lord and often told of the stories that she had by attending church events, camps, and continuing to give back to her community.
Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ollie; siblings, Marvin, Fredda, Dorothy (Dot), Shirley, Billie, and Callie Mae; Loving husband and life-partner, Thad Strickland; daughters, Debra Strickland and Shannon Sloan; granddaughter Tailer Michelle Strickland.
She is survived by her sons Thad Jr Strickland (Nancy), Michael Ray Strickland, Jimmy Strickland (MaryAnne), David Charles Finch (Jessica); daughter Michelle Stroup (Bradley); granddaughters Abbie Strickland, Jennifer Strickland, and Shelbie Sloan; grandsons, James Strickland, Kohl Stroup, and Austin Stroup; special friends Jeremiah and Kendra Hicks and caretaker Robbie Ingram; several nieces & nephews, community members, and friends. Her memory will never be forgotten, and she will be missed by many.
The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Adcock Funeral Home. Services will be held following the visitation at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Adcock Funeral Home.
