Betty June Payne Knaub, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026.  Born in Danville, Virginia to parents Leroy and Bessie Payne, she had been a Hampton resident since 1986. Betty earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Medical College of Virginia and dedicated her career to caring for others, most often children. She served as a nurse in the Air Force and many other places, and the highlight of her career was her work with Healthy Families in Hampton.

Deeply devoted to her family and her faith, Betty’s life was a testament to love and service. She was a mainstay at First United Methodist Church Fox Hill, where she shared her love for the Lord by singing in the choir and selflessly dedicating her time to countless church missions and activities. When she wasn’t at Bible Study, Betty could be found at a Circle meeting, on a Fifty Plus outing, heading up the Transportation Ministry, ministering to those who had lost a loved one through the Stephen’s Ministry, or making deviled eggs and brownies for any event involving food. Whether caring for her loved ones or assisting with an event or project, Betty brought joy and commitment  to everything she did. Her steadfast love for her church and her tireless spirit of service leave a lasting legacy for all who knew her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph M. Knaub, and her sister, Patricia Hoover. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Matthew Knaub (Sarah) and Mark Knaub (Jennifer); step-son, Eric Knaub; grandchildren, Derek, Luke, Emily, Ian, and Carter Knaub; great-grandchildren Daxton and Dessa; sister, Ginger Ripley (Bob); many cousins and extended family, as well as a large extended family of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at First United Methodist Church Fox Hill, 1 Salt Pond Road, Hampton, VA 23664.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the church in Betty’s name. Click Here to Give Online