Ann Elizabeth Hotz Michalek, affectionately known as Betty, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at her residence in Chester, Virginia. The youngest of seven siblings, Betty was born at her parents’ home and spent the majority of her life near her birthplace, the former Hotz Family Dairy Farm, acquired by her family in 1900.

Betty received her education at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Catholic High School in the Class of 1957.

In addition to her devoted role as a wife and mother, Betty was a compassionate friend to many. Her professional career spanned the manufacturing sector, where she worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company and ICI Americas Inc.

Betty was a devoted, lifelong member of St. Ann Catholic Church, the parish where she was raised and which remained the center of her faith throughout her life. She sang in the choir from a young age, where she met her husband, Emil, and went on to serve the parish in many meaningful ways. Betty helped organize parish picnics, sponsored candidates in the RCIA program, and was an active member of the Stephen Ministry, the Martha Ministry, and the Older Adult Club.

As a Eucharistic Minister, Betty faithfully brought Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass, extending prayer, comfort, and connection to the church community.

With a deep love of history and a profound appreciation for her faith community, Betty took on the important work of documenting the history of St. Ann Parish. Her research and writing were published in the Diocese of Richmond’s Shine Like Stars 200th Anniversary commemorative publication. Having grown up at St. Ann’s and belonging to one of its founding families, Betty was among the last living links to the parish’s earliest days—a living witness to its history, faith, and community.

In her later years, Betty served on the St. Ann Cemetery Committee, where she helped preserve the history of the gravesites and supported the creation of columbariums, ensuring the parish she loved would continue to care for its faithful, even in rest.

Betty was a familiar and beloved presence at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 284 in Colonial Heights, where she was an active member for more than three decades after joining in 1992. If there was an event at the Legion, Betty was there—helping with fundraisers, supporting the Forty and Eight, and proudly participating in programs such as Flags for First Graders.

She served the unit in many leadership roles, including Unit President from 1999 to 2000, as well as Membership Chairman for 5 years and Girls State Chairman for 4 years. She was known for her steady guidance, high standards, and deep commitment to doing things the right way. A proud patriot, Betty cared deeply for those who served our country and was a mentor and example to many of the women of Unit 284, offering her time, knowledge, and encouragement whenever it was needed.

Betty had a deep appreciation for history, fashion, music, and photography. She was a meticulous organizer, enjoyed daily crossword puzzles, and had a fondness for hummingbirds. A devoted fan of Jeopardy!, she never missed an episode — if you wanted to talk to Betty, you knew not to call when Jeopardy! was on.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edward Hotz and Ann Marie Blaha Hotz; her six siblings, Rudolph Hotz, Joseph Hotz, Charles Hotz, Frank Hotz, Catherine Wargofcak, and Rosemary Scarborough; and her beloved husband, the love of her life, Emil Joseph Michalek, with whom she shared 22 years of marriage.

Betty is survived by her daughters Laura Jean Michalek Evans (Brian) of Macon, Georgia; Ellen Marie Michalek Milano (John) of Richmond, Virginia; and Elizabeth Michalek Chisholm (Mark) of Chester, Virginia; and by her son Christopher Michalek (Sherry) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Ryan Kaitlin Evans, Michal Colleen Evans, Mari Quinn Evans, Emily Michele Michalek Ward (Joel), Meghan Elaine Michalek Rifkin (Kyle), Caleb Joseph Michalek, Jonathan Francis Blaszak, Martha Elizabeth Blaszak Gerischer (Joseph), Thomas Joseph Milano (Michelle), Michael Scott Milano, Kathleen Morgan Chisholm Hutchinson (Daniel), and Andrew MacDowell Chisholm (Suzanne); as well as five great-grandchildren: Phillip David Gerischer, Henry Joseph Gerischer, Harrison Joseph Milano, Georgia Grace Milano, and Parker Michele Ward. She is also survived by more than forty nieces and nephews from the Hotz, Michalek, and Cerny families.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church in South Chesterfield, Virginia, with the Rev. Ernest L. Bulinda officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester, Virginia.

A Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, followed by visitation with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Stephen R. Michalek, David Blane Hotz, Kevin Whelan, Caleb Michalek, Thomas Milano, and Andrew Chisholm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church, with attention to St. Ann’s Cemetery.