On July 31, 2025, Betty Wray Palko, our beautiful beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away at the age of 90 in Mount Dora, Florida, with her family by her side.

Betty was a long-time resident of Hampton, VA., and was born to Lola and Haywood Lassiter on January 12, 1935. As a young girl, Betty caught the eye of a young service man, George Palko, at a softball game in Phoebus. They soon became inseparable and married in 1951. They had a wonderful long marriage of over 67 years. Family and faith were at the heart of Betty's life. Betty was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton for over 40 years. There, she gave generously of her time, volunteering for many years at the food pantry. Betty had a wonderful personality and was fun to be around. She loved getting together with her family and friends. Betty was a devoted wife and mother and raised four children. George worked at NASA Langley for over 40 years and a lot of their social life, especially the early years, revolved around activities with the friends they made there. After the kids were grown, nearly every Sunday after attending Mass, they joined their group of friends for brunch at the "O" Club at Langley AFB. They did this up until George's passing in 2019. Betty and George had many friends, but their relationship with their best friend, Joe Lehman, and his family was especially dear.

Betty was beautiful inside and out, and she had a flair for fashion and decorating. She always looked chic with her scarves, hats, and jewelry. For over a decade, Betty volunteered at the thrift shop at Langley AFB in Hampton. While there, she met many people that became lasting friends. She decorated her home with some of the interesting and unusual items she found there from throughout the world.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, George. Betty is survived by her sister, Jane Krodel; two daughters, Nancy Brooks (Bill) and Barbara Tootle; two sons, George (Sandra) and Kelse (Rowena); granddaughter, Shelley Fiore (Chad); grandsons, Brett Palko and Kalen Palko; sister-in-law, Judee Myers, and many nieces and nephews.

Though Betty will be deeply missed by her family, we find comfort in knowing she is in heaven, reunited with George. She will be remembered for her love, her service, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.

The family wishes in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the ICC Food Pantry, 2150 Cunningham Dr. Hampton, VA., 23666 or The Christian Appalachian Project. (Home Page | Christian Appalachian Project) Or a charity of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM, at St. Patrick Catholic Church located in Mount Dora, Florida. A Funeral Mass will also be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, Virginia, at a later date.