KILMARNOCK—Betty Balinger Taylor died peacefully in her sleep on February 27, 2018, just days from her 94th birthday.
She was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Arlington, graduating from Washington-Lee High School in the first war-time class of 1942. She was very active in sports, fond of the outdoors and a member of the girl reserves.
After graduation she attended Abbott Art School, while working as a secretary, eventually retiring from Federal Reserve to have her first child.
She took up target shooting to keep up with her brother and was soon setting records in the sport. She met her future husband, Larry, on the shooting range at Greenbelt Range and married him in 1955. Together they enjoyed their common hobbies of round dancing, shooting, camping, hunting and fishing.
They built their retirement home on Dividing Creek together and retired there, where she spent many hours landscaping the grounds with camellias, azaleas and holly topiaries. She had an extraordinary talent for starting boxwood from cuttings.
She was a member of the Rappahannock Art League and spent many hours in the Tuesday Morning Painting Group, attending art workshops and was a fine artist.
She and Larry, were long-time, active members of the Rappahannock Pistol and Rifle Club, devoting countless hours to building up and supporting the club, and she truly enjoyed serving as an instructor for the Women on Target programs.
She was a long-time member of the DAR, Cobbs Hall Chapter and the NRA.
She was a seeker of knowledge, extremely well-read and informed of current events. She was proud of still cutting her own lawn at age 91.
She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Larry; two daughters, Barbara Horst and husband, Clarence, and Janice Parrish and husband, Michael; three grandchildren, Laura King and husband, Jake, Taylor Parrish and Hunter Parrish; and five great-grandchildren.
There will be no funeral service. Donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, Inc., P.O. Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578.
