Obituary

Betty byrd richard fields, 95, of charleston, went home to be with her heavenly father on saturday, april 14, 2018 at the arthur b. Hodges center, charleston.

Betty was born on august 30, 1922 to the late ernest and blanch davenport byrd.

A pioneer in the field of geriatric exercise physiology, this native of charleston, wv began her work in physical fitness by directing programs for individuals of all ages, from children’s gymnastics to cardio-protective regimes for adults.

In 1970, betty richard co-originated the acclaimed series of low-level exercises that have been reported in hearings of the house of representatives and presented to the international congress on sports medicine and physical fitness in connection with munich olympics in 1972.

From 1970 through 1979 she directed the implementation of the “preventicare” physical activity program throughout west virginia. During this period, mrs. Richard coordinated two national symposiums: the first appalachain conference on physical activity and aging, held in 1973 and gerokinesiatrics, held in 1977.

Articles about her work have appeared in modern maturity, nursing, dynamic years, journal of the american public welfare association, and in the book, preventive care, drake publishers.

In 1980, betty richard developed gerokinetics, a program specifically designed to train people to organize and lead exercise programs for the elderly

beyond her work as consultant for the state of west virginia, she also took an active role in helping other states and private agencies design and implement geriatric fitness programs.

A graduate of the university of charleston, with a b.A. Degree in sociology, betty richard’s biography was selected for inclusion in the 8th edition of who’s who in the world (1987-1988), who’s who of american women (1985-1986) 14th edition and the world who’s who of women (1986).

A lecturer and panelist, she was featured in a weekly public television series, preventive care, exercise with betty, 1974-1975.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 1st husband, sameral jackson richard, jr.; and her 2nd husband, thomas fields.

Betty is survived by her daughter, caroline richard (david) rossman of charleston; son, sameral jackson (debi) richard, iii of huntersville, nc; grandchildren, richard (laura) rossman, carrie rossman (joe) white, heather richard (frank) richards and justin (kristie) richard; great-grandchildren, skyler, autumn, raelynn, everett, kaitlyn and carson.

Memorial service will be 1 p.M. Saturday, may 12, 2018 at first presbyterian church, charleston with rev. Christian j. Johnson officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church in the ruffner room

in lieu of flowers – the family suggests donations be made in memory of betty to the national multiple sclerosis society or american cancer society.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com .

Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.