Phyllis A. Bettis

Phyllis A. Bettis, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Phyllis was born July 31, 1942, in Guthrie, Kentucky, the daughter of C.B. and Ruth (Hall) Elliott. She graduated from Austin Peay State University and dedicated her professional life to education. She was a lifelong elementary school educator and principal who cared deeply about her students, their families, and the communities she served.

She met Michael Bettis while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps. The couple married on June 30, 1963, in Oak Grove, Kentucky. Following Michael’s honorable discharge in 1964, they moved to Hartford, Vermont, where they spent their married life together.

Phyllis loved gardening, reading, taking walks, and serving her community. She will be remembered for her commitment to education, her generous spirit, and the care she showed to her family, students, and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her husband, Michael, in 2011; her sisters, Dorothy Camp and Eloise Patterson; and her brother, Buddy Elliott.

Phyllis leaves her sons, Sean Bettis and his wife, Nadine, of Hartford, Vermont, and Brian Bettis of San Antonio, Texas; her grandchildren, Kevin, Justin, McKenzie, and Brecken; her brothers, Jack Elliott of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Stephen Elliott of Clarksville, Tennessee; her sister, Sue Richard of Clarksville, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. on Friday August 7th from 5-7PM. A Funeral service will be held at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ on Saturday August 8th at 10AM with burial following in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with Phyllis’ family through the online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com.