Betty Venard Steppe Reese

Betty Venard Steppe Reese, 82, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday morning, September 2, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.

She was born in McDowell County on September 28, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Marvin Steppe and Ann Foster Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her step-father, Ashby Robinson, who raised her, and a half-brother, Carroll Burnette.

Betty graduated from Old Fort High School and later attended several technical schools. She became a nurse and was later a nurse’s aide at Lake James Lodge before working at McDonald’s. In her early years, Betty played baseball and was an avid swimmer. She had a heart for caring for dogs and cats later in life. Betty loved her community of Old Fort, and she was an excellent story-teller, often telling stories of the history of the town. She will be missed.

She is survived by her son, Tracy Reese.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.