Betty Jewell Dronen, age 92, passed away Sunday evening, December 10, 2017.

Betty was born on June 16, 1925, in Zion, Illinois to the late Walter and Edith Hughes. She is survived by two sons; Michael with wife Joni and Gary with wife Cheryl. She has four wonderful grandchildren, Kelli, Sean, Morgan, and Madison, and two precious great grandchildren, Sofia and Sean Junior. They will all miss their "Nanny".

Betty married the late Warren Dronen on July 27, 1946, and subsequently gave up the comforts of a quiet small town for a life of world travel and military service, as an Air force wife. Over a period of 25 years, she moved her family to 12 new homes in 4 different countries, before settling down in Hampton in 1971. She fully embraced the opportunities military life offered, and was a staunch supporter of everything Air Force. While happily married for 66 years, Betty never passed on a chance to support the men and women of our armed forces, and was always very proud to be a member of the military community.

Betty attended church at the Langley Air Force Base Chapel, and was a long time member of the Langley Officers Wives Club, Willow Oaks Garden Club and Willow Oaks Bridge Club. Through her church, club, and neighborhood affiliations she developed many strong and lasting friendships. Betty's family would like to thank all of her friends for the many years of love and support they provided her, with a special thanks to David Pugh for always being there for Betty and her family.

Betty's family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 4 - 6 pm at the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 South Armstead Ave., Hampton, Virginia. Betty will join her late husband at Arlington National Cemetery, where a grave side service and burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Betty Dronen, to a charitable organization of your choosing.