Betty Russ, 89, a lifelong resident of Wootton Bassett, was born at 115 High Street on April 20, 1926. Although she and the Queen were only one day apart, in age, Betty was christened Betty Denise Mary Townsend (not Elizabeth, as some might assume!). She had a younger sister, the late June (Adams), whose death in more recent years was a sad loss.

As a school leaver, Betty joined the GWR Railway Works mileage office at Swindon and commuted by train from Wootton Bassett station.

Betty found romance with John Russ, and they were married on January 17, 1948. John’s childhood friend Ken Male, from Somerset, married Betty’s close friend Doris Brown, and they enjoyed jaunts as a foursome. Betty and John had two daughters, Lesley and Hester.

The family was closely involved in the Congregatonal Church in Wood Street (which became United Reformed). Betty held office in the sisterhood that flourished for many years, and John was church treasurer.

They suffered a grievous loss in August 1975, in the death of their daughter Lesley, who had followed her vocation as a nurse.

In December 1987 Mr and Mrs Russ, then on a visit to Hester, in Stafford, were using a public phone box when it was demolished by a car in a freak accident. They spent the next three months in hospital and celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary in adjacent beds.

Betty was overjoyed when two long-awaited grandchildren, Andrew and Daisy, were born. She loved having them to stay, taking them to church, and playing cricket in the field.

Betty cared for her husband as his health declined, and he died in March 2002. Subsequently, Mrs Russ moved into sheltered accommodation, and found a new lease of life, joining in the activities at Springfield House.

Mrs Russ moved into full-time care when she lost her mobility after a fall in July 2011.

She was pleased at being able to remain in Wootton Bassett, enjoyed visits from family and friends and was thankful that, with their help, she could still attend church. Her daughter Hester thanked everyone for their care and support.

The URC minister, the Rev Sarah Simpson, officiated at the cremation at Kingsdown, and at the thanksgiving service for Betty’s life, at the church in Wood Street, Royal Wotton Bassett. Refreshments were served afterwards in the church hall, and a display of photographs prompted further recollections of Betty’s life and work.

Memorial donations were for a hearing charity.