Howard Otto “Bud” Betler, 71, a resident of Helvetia, WV passed away Thursday April 8, 2010 at his hilltop farm surrounded by his family. He was born on Friday December 9, 1938 at Pickens, the fifth child of the late Henry Otto and Mary Louise Dulaney Betler. On Saturday February 4, 1961 , at Cleveland, OH, he was married to Eleanor Louise Prysock who survives. Surviving are his children, Brother Otto, OSB(Bruce) of St. Ottilen, Germany; Leslie White and husband Jim of Helvetia, Brian and wife Angel of Lanexa, VA and Mary Alice Ricottilli and husband Stanley of Valley Bend; six grandchildren: Joseph White and wife Elisa, Shane White and wife Haley, Julie White Kelley and husband Eric, Seth, Hannah and Clay Betler and one great-grandson: Charlie. Surviving brothers are: Jack and wife Joan and James Leslie; sisters: Vada Smith and husband Jim, Henrietta Sanders and husband Jack, Mary Ann Karlen and husband Steve and Dolores Williams and husband Bob and brother-in-law: Ralph Conrad and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were two grandsons: Brian and Daniel White; one brother: Gene Betler, Sr. and wife Pauline and one sister: Margie Conrad. Bud graduated from Pickens High School with the class of 1957. He was a veteran of the US Army Rangers. He retired from Randolph County Board of Education with 33 years of service as a bus driver. His passion was farming and caring for the land. He was an active member of the Helvetia Fair, Hall, Farm Men’s and Restoration and Development Associations and president of The Helvetia Shepherds Association. He was a life-long supporter and member of 4-h. He received several county farming awards and worked with the Allegheny Highlands Project and was an ASCS representative for many years. He was a devoted, lifelong member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Helvetia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helvetia Hall Association Building Fund, P.O. Box 72; Helvetia, WV 26224. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday April 11, 2010 at The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services; 100 Meadow Lane; Valley Bend, WV. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday April 12, 2010 at Zion Presbyterian Church in Helvetia with Pastor Mike Ford officiating. Interment will follow in the Pickens Cemetery at Pickens.
