Oneonta, New York - ONEONTA - Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Townsend, 87, of Oneonta passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Aug. 20, 1938 at Bathgate Hospital, Stamford, the daughter of the late Joseph and Oleta (Babcock) Andrews.

Betty graduated from Oneonta High School, class of 1956.

She began working as a telephone operator at NY Telephone Company, then NYSEG as a secretary, and finished out her career at Oneonta Nursing Home.

Betty married Albert R. Townsend Nov. 3, 1969. Al predeceased her Sept. 27, 1994.

Betty loved the outdoors. She enjoyed horses and took riding lessons at Pine Ridge Horse Stables, flowers and gardening. She was an animal lover but especially loved her dogs, Nertz, Ty and Shane, and a horse named Candy.

Betty was a loving and caring person who always put others before herself and was always helping others. She loved her family and was always at family gatherings. She had an awesome memory and was a wealth of information in both present and past. She was proud of the fact that she was a notary public.

Betty's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and aides at Bassett Hospital fourth and fifth floor and Fox Nursing Home for the excellent care provided to Betty.

Betty is survived by her sister, Donna Jean Rider; special nieces, Cheryl Amo and Natalie Zimmerman; nephew, Todd Rider; special friend, Podge More; as well as many nieces and nephews; step daughter-in-law, Patricia Townsend; and step son-in-law, Tracy Reynolds. She was predeceased by her brothers, Wayne (Kay) Andrews Sr., David (Frances) Andrews and Richard (Elaine) Andrews; stepfather, John Sargent; stepdaughter, Nancy Reynolds; and stepson, Craig Townsend.

Calling hours will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street. A graveside service will be held in the spring in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.