HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 674 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 9, 2007 Celebrating the life Bettye Katheryn Heldreth Steger. ---------- Patron-- Crockett-Stark ----------

WHEREAS, Bettye Katheryn Heldreth Steger of Pulaski, a respected citizen, council member, and a devoted organist for the community for over five decades, died on October 9, 2006; and

WHEREAS, the daughter of the late Daisy Burnett and Trubie Heldreth, Bettye Heldreth was born on April 27, 1928, in Tazewell; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Heldreth married her beloved husband, the late James "Tad" Steger, and the couple had two wonderful daughters, Kathy and Trudy; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Steger was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, where she served as the revered church organist for over 50 years and as its dedicated director of music; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Steger provided beautiful music for countless wedding celebrations and also served as organist at both the Thomas M. Seagle & Sons and the Stevens funeral homes; and

WHEREAS, committed to improving the quality of life for her fellow citizens, Bettye Steger  was a member of the town council from 1994 until her retirement in 2006 and served as vice mayor from 1996 to 2002; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Bettye Steger gave her time and immense talents to numerous neighborhood organizations, serving as the president of the Child Study Club, the Women's Club, and the Thursday Club and as a member of the Pulaski Music Club; and

WHEREAS, a notable hometown hero, Bettye Steger was honored for her many contributions to her community on a tribute by WDBJ Channel 7; and

 WHEREAS, Bettye Steger spearheaded the first Neighborhood Crime Watch Program in Pulaski, commissioned a logo for a McGruff the Crime Dog event promoting child safety, and was recognized by the Commonwealth for her efforts to promote crime prevention in her community; and

WHEREAS, Bettye Steger will be fondly remembered for her generous nature and her tremendous gift of music and greatly missed by her daughters, their families, and two grandchildren; her loving brother and other family members; and the citizens of Pulaski; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine Virginian, Bettye Katheryn Heldreth Steger; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bettye Katheryn Heldreth Steger as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.