Betsy Eugenia Radford (Ross)

Betsy E. Radford, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, veteran, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Cherokee County, Georgia, on May 22, 2025, just a week shy of her 95th birthday.

Born in the quiet town of Nina, Kentucky, to David and Willie Ross, Betsy embodied the grace, strength, and resilience of her generation. She graduated as valedictorian from Buckeye High School in 1948, already demonstrating the excellence that would define her life. Soon after, she answered her country’s call, joining the Women’s Air Force and serving with distinction during the Korean War. As a cryptographer stationed at the Pentagon and later deployed to Germany, Betsy helped lay the foundation for modern military communications — and found love along the way. It was there she met Jack Radford, the man who would become her husband and companion.

Betsy rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before concluding her military service, but her dedication to service never ended. Her life was filled with purpose: traveling the world, nurturing her family, volunteering in her community, and always making space for friendship and kindness. To know Betsy was to be inspired by her wit, her wisdom, and her unwavering compassion for her family. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.

A passionate Atlanta Braves fan, Betsy cheered them on faithfully for decades and took great joy in witnessing them win in all three of their home stadiums—from Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium to Turner Field and finally at Truist Park. Whether it was baseball, family, or friendship, Betsy rooted for the people and things she loved with unwavering loyalty.

Betsy is survived by her devoted children: son Bill Radford and his wife Thui; daughters Patricia Sims and Teresa Radford; daughter-in-law Jacque Radford; and her treasured grandchildren: Areme Radford, Tiffany Radford, and Michael Sims with his wife Jaimie and their sons, Ross and Crew. She also leaves behind the many friends of her grandchildren who lovingly claimed her as their own “Grandma.”

She is preceded in death by her parents David and Willie Ross; her husband Jack Radford; her beloved son Jack Radford Jr.; granddaughter Elise Radford; her brother Joe Ross; and sisters Virginia, Valinda, Henrietta, Lucy, and Wilma.

Betsy’s legacy is one of courage, grace, and enduring love. Her family and friends take comfort in the countless lives she touched and the example she set of a life well lived.

An entombment service at the Georgia National Cemetery, with military honors by the United States Air Force, will be scheduled at a later date.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at

the South Canton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betsy’s honor may be made to the Cherokee Firefighters Foundation (cherokeefirefoundation.org), benefiting the men and women of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services—an organization that was especially close to Betsy’s heart.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com