Mary Avalon Pope

Beloved mother, grandmother and wife, Mary Avalon Pope, 71, of Gallipolis passed away at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus on November 14, 2016. Born April 25, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Leroy Frederick Betz, Jr. and Avalon Gardner Roush. She married Phillip L. Pope, and he survives her. Mary was employed for 23 years as office manager at Foster Sales. Mary was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church serving as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Elder. She was devoted to her community, especially the youth of Gallia County, volunteering as a 4-H advisor for 32 years. She was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008. She was a member of Gallipolis Eastern Star #283 and the Cheshire Garden Club. Mary’s stepfather, Lewellyn Roush predeceased her. Mary is survived by two brothers: James Michael Betz (Robin) and William Gregory Betz (Joan) of Virginia. She is also survived by three children: Robert D. Foster (Jennifer) of Bidwell, Howard J. Foster (Melinda) of Gallipolis and Amanda P. Thompson (Stuart) of Lexington, Kentucky. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Megan Foster, Mandy Foster, Taylor Foster, Morgan Foster, Rhett Thompson, Alaina Thompson, Thomas Foster, Kate Foster and Halee Myers. In keeping with her wishes, there will be a family service at Centenary Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.willisfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Contributions may be mailed to Willis Funeral Home, P.O. Box 806, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 or you may make a donation online at: www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/OnlineGivingDonation.aspx?fund=313899.