Thursday, May 5, 2016 9:28 am

Mrs. Betty Atchley Hough, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016.

A native of Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Robert Lee Atchley and Beth Baber Atchley.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Robyn Burns. Betty was a member of Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church and was very active in the Community Bible Club of Rutherford County. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, nephews and great nephews. A graduate of Flora McDonald College, she was initially the secretary to the Superintendent of Mecklenburg County Schools, later teaching at West Mecklenburg High School, Hixson High School, RS Central High School and the Rutherford Opportunity Center. Betty was a beautiful and kind lady who gave so much to many including her friends and students of all ages. She had a special calling and talent for working with students and people in great need.

Survivors include her son, Bob Hough of Rutherfordton; her daughter, Donna H. Burns and husband Randy of Chattanooga, TN; a sister, Mary A. Harrill and husband Lee of Rutherfordton; one granddaughter; three great grandsons; her aunt, Elizabeth Harrison of Rutherfordton; nephews, Drew Harrill and wife Judith, and John Harrill and wife Julia, all of Rutherfordton, great nephews, Hudson and McCray Harrill; and a number of cousins.

Funeral services were held at Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church with Dr. Don Scofield officiating. Interment followed the service in the Brittain Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Rutherfordton. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Women of Brittain Presbyterian Church, c/o Jane Freeman, 259 Mackey Freeman Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church Building Fund.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the Hough family.