Elizabeth McNeil Stoner Holt

Elizabeth McNeil Stoner Holt, 90, formerly of Fincastle passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 in Midlothian where she has resided in recent years. She was born in Fincastle on September 14, 1927, the daughter of the late Robert Douthat Stoner and Ivan Plank Stoner.

Betsy was the fifth generation of the Stoner family to live in Botetourt County. Her father was the author of The Seedbed of the Republic, considered to be the authoritative work on Botetourt County history. She was an active member of the Fincastle community her entire life. A member of the Fincastle Presbyterian Church, she was fond of small children and taught them Sunday School for many years, was active in Presbyterian Women, and at her death was the longest continuous member of the church. She was a charter member of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with her mother and sister. She was also active in the Big Spring Garden Club, Historic
Fincastle, Inc. and the Botetourt County Democratic Women.

She married George Holt on a beautiful April day in the front yard of her parent’s home, Santillane. George was elected as Clerk of Court for Botetourt County, a position he served for 31 years. Together they bought and restored Hawthorne Hall, a historic home built around 1800. There they entertained family, friends, political figures and members of the historic community for many years. She and George enjoyed traveling around the USA and in Europe, but her favorite escape was spending time at the beach. They were married for 51 years before his passing in 2003. She was devoted to her family and loved the times spent with her sons and their families.

She is survived by her sister, Catharine Stoner Peaslee of Daleville; her son, George E. Holt III and his wife, Betty of Daleville; her son Robert S. Holt and his wife, Helen of Midlothian; and her grandchildren, Sarah Beth Richardson and husband, David of Raleigh, NC; Laura Holt of Raleigh, NC; Katie Holt of Bracey, VA; and Robert S. Holt, Jr. and his wife, Kelsey of Virginia Beach, VA.

A funeral service celebrating Betsy’s life will be held 11 am Monday, October 16 at the Fincastle Presbyterian Church, 108 East Back Street, Fincastle with the Rev. David Dickerson, D.Min. officiating. Interment will be in Godwin Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Betsy’s memory to Fincastle Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 144, Fincastle, VA 24090.
On-line condolences may be made to Betsy’s family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.

Rader Funeral Home
540-992-1212

---

 Service Information