Betty Ellen Ogle

Betty Ellen O’Dell Ogle of Hurricane, WV, formerly of Charleston, WV and Seabrook Island, SC, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Friday, February 20, 2026. She was a loving, dedicated and caring wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. Betty Ellen was born on October 5, 1932 in Charleston, WV to her parents: Wilbur Austin and Betty Naomi Smith O’Dell. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 64 years, Brenton Richard Ogle; brother, James Grover O’Dell; nephew, Mark Austin O’Dell; and in-laws: Morris Brenton and Martha Helen Ogle. She is survived by her beloved daughters: Elizabeth Anne Ogle of Cincinnati, OH and Mary Ogle Winter (John) of Hurricane, WV. In addition to her daughters she is survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Fraley O’Dell; niece, Tamela O’Dell Grabb (Larry); great nieces: Lindsey Caroline Hastings (Jon) and Ashlyn Elizabeth Thompson; great nephew, William O’Dell Grabb (Leah); great-great nephew, Cole Parker Thompson; and great-great niece, Emery Anne Thompson; all of Noblesville, IN. Betty Ellen graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Morris Harvey College, now known as the University of Charleston in WV and a Master of Education from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, Zelta Tau chapter. Betty Ellen followed in the footsteps of her mother as an educator and enjoyed her career as a teacher with Kanawha County Schools in Charleston, WV for 33 years. She touched the lives of countless students and their families at Holz Elementary School where she spent her entire teaching career until her retirement in 1987. She made learning fun and meaningful, bringing joy to her students’ classroom experiences. Betty Ellen will be remembered for her infectious smile and ability to engage everyone she met in conversation. She was caring, nurturing, inquisitive and always open to gaining knowledge. In 1976, Betty Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced it with an inspiring positive attitude. After surgery, her optimism and enthusiasm for life allowed her to continue to teach throughout her chemotherapy. She didn’t miss a single day of work during her treatments. Betty Ellen beat the odds and was a 50 year breast cancer survivor. She encouraged other breast cancer patients through the American Cancer Society’s Reach To Recovery program. After her retirement from teaching, she enjoyed volunteering at CAMC Memorial Hospital. An avid gardener, Betty Ellen enjoyed planting and caring for her flowers. She had a green thumb and knack for growing and reviving any plant. She shared her passion as a former member of the Woodland Heights and Seabrook Island Garden Clubs. Betty Ellen has loved music since childhood, excelling beautifully at playing piano and singing. During high school she enhanced her musical abilities, learning to play the drums as part of her school band. Throughout her life, she enjoyed participating in the choir, as well as Sunday School education and Alter Guild in the Episcopal churches where she and Brent were members: including St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, WV, Church of Our Saviour in Johns Island, SC and St. Timothy’s in-the-Valley in Hurricane, WV. Betty Ellen and Brent enjoyed traveling, both together and with their daughters as well. Following Brent’s retirement, they decided to move to Seabrook Island, SC for a change of pace and the opportunity to garden year-round. They were cat lovers who cherished their adopted cats. They were more than just pets, they were family. Over the years they gave Ichabod, Tigger, Shadow, Missy and Quinn forever homes. In 2017, Betty Ellen suffered an ischemic stroke. Fortunately, after extensive PT, OT and Speech Therapy paired with the ability to maintain her optimistic attitude she was able to regain some of her mobility and return home with full-time assistance. Thankfully, with much support, her family was able to keep her in her home and accommodate Betty Ellen’s wishes. Her daughter, Elizabeth, regarded it as an honor to serve as her primary caregiver around the clock for the past 8.5 years. Always ensuring she experienced comfort, dignity, and love each day at home. Betty Ellen's family wishes to formally express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by her home team at Stonerise Home Health, as well as for the support received recently from Hospice Care. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Nicole McCallister, LPN, for her dedicated and consistent assistance with health care needs. We also extend our appreciation to our extended family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement during her health challenges. In accordance with Betty Ellen wishes, she has been cremated. The internment of her ashes will be alongside her husband Brent at St. Timothy’s in-the-Valley Memorial Garden. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either St. Timothy’s in-the-Valley Memorial Garden Fund or the American Cancer Society. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Ogle Family again.

Betty Ellen Ogle

October 5, 1932 - February 20, 2026