Betty Ruth Elliott

Betty Ruth Elliott of Buckingham, Virginia passed away peacefully on Wednesday,
January 14, 2026. She was born in Farmville, Virginia on September 20, 1940, as Betty
Ruth Dunnavant. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Dunnavant, her
father James Dunnavant and her brother Jimmy Dunnavant. She is survived by her son
Ben Elliott and daughter-in-law Tanya Elliott as well as niece Elizabeth Ragland, and
nephews J.W. Dunnavant and David Dunavant and their families.
Before retiring Betty Ruth was a schoolteacher for over thirty years. She taught in
Roanoke, Charlotte Courthouse and Buckingham County. She was dedicated to
helping her students be successful. There are countless stories from those that she
taught reflecting the impact she made on their life. She enjoyed reading, hiking,
canoeing on the James River, gardening, watching college basketball and the warmth of
a fireplace. Family and friends have always been very important to Betty Ruth.
Sometimes referred to as Rufus, she loved spending time with family, friends and
neighbors. She documented her adventures with family and friends by always having a
camera handy.
The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Hall Nursing Home as well as the
staff at Farmville Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care of Betty Ruth.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Buckingham County Firefighter
Association.