Mrs. Betty Florence Ward age 88 of Lyerly, GA passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at her residence.
Mrs. Ward was born August 31, 1937 in Trion, GA to the late Becky Lee Margaret Spraggins Atchley. She was retired from Best Manufacturing and was a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church.
Along with her mother she is preceded in death by her husband Robert N. Ward.
Survivors include her daughters, Robbie (Phil) Scarfo, Becky (Darrel) Huskey; chosen children, Kathy Henderson, Kathy Ward, and Nathan Ward; twin sister, Billie Ward; grandchildren, Emily (Shane) Ratliff, Bubba Huskey, and Katelyn Kiser; great-grandchildren, Branson Ratliff, Raven Kiser, and Warden Huskey; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Ward will take place at 3:00 PM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Barry Brown and Rev. Mickey Skates officiating. Interment will follow at Lyerly Cemetery with Bubba Huskey, Shane Ratliff, Kevin Henderson, Gunner Henderson, Bradley Ward, and Gene Ward serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be the staff of Affinity Hospice, Shirley Hatcher, April Browning, Carolyn Huskey, Nona Gruner, Dave Gruner, and her special pup Trixie.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, June 12, 2026:
A taste of summer’s full force is arriving in Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia as temperatures climb into the 90s and humidity pushes heat index values close to — and in some locations above — 100 degrees through the weekend.
A new 2.6-mile reroute is now blazed and open on Section 21 of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail northeast of Mack White Gap at U.S. Highway 27.
The reroute moves hikers off Forest Service Road 254 for about the same distance, creating a more scenic and enjoyable section of trail. Old blazes along FS 254 have been removed or painted over, and the new route is marked for hikers traveling both northbound and southbound.
GPS data has been submitted for the FarOut app and is expected to be updated in the Pinhoti database soon.
Project organizers say the reroute is an incremental improvement on the 370-mile wilderness trail, but represents a significant aesthetic upgrade for hikers.
The project was made possible through support from the Tillotson-Menlo Foundation, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District, and several trail and environmental partners.
Residents looking for bargains while supporting a worthy cause will have an opportunity this weekend as Flourish Foster Care Closet & Support, Inc. hosts a Yard Sale for a Cause at The Well in downtown Summerville.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 12, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Well, located at 141 W. Washington Street in Summerville.
Organizers say all proceeds will benefit The Well and the foster, kinship, and adoptive families served throughout Northwest Georgia. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items including furniture, home décor, clothing, toys, household items, books, seasonal merchandise, and more.
A BBQ food truck will also be on-site with plates, sandwiches, and other menu items available for purchase. A portion of food sales will benefit The Well and its mission.
According to organizers, every purchase helps Flourish continue providing clothing, essential items, support programs, meals, and community resources for children and families impacted by foster care.
Donations are still being accepted during the work week leading up to the event.
The Chattooga County Board of Education is currently accepting applications for several positions ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
With temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, animal owners are being reminded to take extra precautions to protect pets and livestock from dangerous heat-related illnesses.
One of Northeast Alabama’s most popular summer traditions returns this weekend as Bluegrass on the Rim celebrates its 13th year at the Little River Canyon Center.
The event will take place Saturday, June 13, in the scenic setting overlooking Little River Canyon and will feature performances by Three On A String and Foggy Hollow Bluegrass.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, family and friends for an evening of music under the stars. J-Bird’s BBQ will be on site with food available for purchase, leashed pets are welcome, and children ages 10 and under will be admitted free.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.
Organizers say the event combines great bluegrass music, beautiful scenery and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favorite annual gathering for residents and visitors alike.
Additional information and tickets are available through the Little River Canyon Center.
Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.
With temperatures expected to reach the lower and middle 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees, residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia may be looking for ways to stay comfortable while keeping energy costs under control.