Bettie Panch

Waynesville-Bettie Gong Panch, beloved wife of NASCAR legend Marvin Panch passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, June 9, 2006 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde, NC. Bettie was one of the original founding members of what is now known as the Women's Auxillary of Motorsports, Inc.-a foundation whose sole purpose is to support families within the NASCAR'S Nextel Cup, Busch, and Truck racing community both emotionally and financially. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Living Legends of Auto Racing-a Daytona Beach, Florida based organization whose commitment is to preserve the history of stock car racing. An ever-present fixture at stock car races in the 1950's and 1960's, she was known for her hospitality and graciousness, always willing to accommodate a hungry racer, race official or pit crew. Bettie was born in Madera, California to Charlie and Jaung Shee Gong. She graduated from Berkeley High School and attended San Jose State where she was President of the Chinese Christian Association. As a long-time resident of Daytona Beach, Florida, Bettie was a former PTA President at the Highlands Elementary School and initiated the Minute Man Savings Bond program. She was formerly both a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader as well as Past-President of the Deltona Garden Club. As a long-time summer resident of Riverside Campground, Canton, NC, Bettie was actively involved in the local community unselfishly volunteering her time at the Cruso Friendship Club, Folkmoot USA in Waynesville, and Cruso Craft Co-op. Bettie was also a member of the Riverside Red Hat Society. Bettie was preceded in death by her son, Marvin Richard Panch. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Marvin; her daughter, Marvette Panch Bagwell; son-in-law, Kevin Bagwell; siblings Lilley Pon, Edward Gong, May Lee, Howard Gong and his wife, Elizabeth, Wallace Gong and his wife, Pearl, Bill Gong and his wife Maryan, Jane Chan and her husband, Ron, Priscilla Gong; and numerous nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Ceremonies for Bettie Panch will be held on: Friday, June 16th, 11:00 a.m., Cruso Community Center, 13186 Cruso Road, Cruso, NC - Potluck dinner and music. Contact Harry and Betty Canfield at (828) 648-8903 for more information. Sunday, June 18th, 1:30 p.m., May Lee Residence, San Rafael, CA - Celebration of Food & Music. Contact Auntie May Lee at (415) 492-9637 for more information. Thursday, June 29th, 8:00 a.m., Pancho's Rancho, Daytona Beach, FL - 8:00 a.m. service followed by breakfast and music. Contact Marvette at (386) 295-5500 for more information. Memorial donations may be made to either the Haywood Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 283 Waynesville, NC 28786 or the Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, FL 32129-0854.

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