Betty Baker Reiter

September 22, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Betty Baker Reiter was born in Durham, NC, October 16, 1943, and on September 22, 2024, her soul returned to the Lord from whom it came.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, which returned in 2016. 

Betty graduated from Durham High School and Women’s College of UNC (now UNCG).  At age 20, she was in the first group of female graduate students at Clemson, where she received an MS in mathematics.  Later she received an MS in Information (Computer) Sciences from the University of Hawaii, and at age 56 the Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.  She taught mathematics and computer science at UNC Charlotte, Clemson University, University of Hawaii, CPCC, Winthrop University, Davidson College, and Richmond College in England.  She retired in 2004, then devoting her time to family with great faithfulness, caring for aging relatives and others in need, as well as spending time with her grandchildren.  In her last years, though homebound, she was faithful in praying for others and sending cards and other encouragement, while uncomplaining about her sickness and disability.

Family, travel, and mathematics were a major part of Harold’s and Betty’s lives.  She actively supported her husband and daughter in many mathematical and other pursuits.  She enjoyed travelling to all 50 states, more than 50 countries, all continents except Antarctica, and many islands.  Many summers they returned to Hawaii for teaching opportunities and brought grandsons for their last visit; Betty cherished anthurium flowers in her window as reminders of fond times there.  She also loved to watch the hummingbirds at a feeder outside.  A family celebration of their 50th anniversary on Mackinac Island, MI was her last trip before illness restricted her travels.

Betty shared with her brother an interest in their family history; ancestors of all four grandparents were traced to their arrival in America during the 1600’s.  Knowing about their lives influenced Betty toward love of God, family, America, education, and service.  Betty’s great great grandparents are the oldest generation with marked graves in the Rigsbee family cemetery on the West Duke Campus of Duke University; Betty was a life-long Baptist and fourth-generation member of First Baptist Church Durham.

She is survived by Dr. Harold Reiter, her husband of 58 years, and their daughter, Dr. Ashley Reiter Ahlin with husband, Dr. Christian Robert Ahlin and their children, John Christian, Peter Rigsbee, Elizabeth Joy, and Sarah Grace Ahlin, of East Lansing, Michigan.  Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph Jackson Baker and Edna Carpenter Baker, and her brother, Jack R Baker.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no memorial service; a private burial will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, she suggests loving service “to one of the least” or a contribution to the International Essential Tremor Foundation, PO Box 14005, Lenexa, KS 66285-4005 to further research into the essential tremors which also debilitated her.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Jackie Pace

    One of my fondest memories of my years as a math teacher at Charlotte Latin School is my getting to know Ashley and her amazing parents Harold and Betty. When Ashley’s teachers began to recognize her unusual math skills, it became obvious that this happened because of both nature and nurture. With parents like Harold and Betty, Ashley easily blossomed into the strongest math student we ever knew at Latin. It was through the MathCounts program that the rest of the world got to know the Reiter family. I’m so sorry for your loss, Ashley and Harold. And I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know Betty and the whole Reiter family.

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  • Kevin Wang

    I still remember the first time I met Betty and Harold in 2007 at MathCounts. To my surprise, she already knew about me and the summer program I was running.. Appreciate her warm support throughout the years, and admire her strength in battling cancer. Betty will be remembered and dearly missed.

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  • Buddy Watsky

    Harold, Anais joins me in sadness for your loss of Betty. May her memory be a blessing to all.

    Buddy & Anais

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  • Yunzhi Zou

    I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved spouse, Betty. I had the pleasure of meeting her twice at your home and sharing a dinner together. It was heartbreaking to see her battle with cancer for more than six years.

    I remember her doctor saying back in 2018 that she had at most two years to live. Thanks to your loving care and dedication, she was able to live much longer than anyone expected, and I am certain she had many good times in the past few years.

    I believe Betty is now in a place where there is no pain or suffering, and she carries with her the best of our memories and wishes.

    Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope that you, Ashley, and the rest of your family will find strength and solace in each other and continue to live happily, as I know Betty would have wanted.

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  • Paul Zeitz

    Dear Harold and Ashley,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Betty very fondly. Her warmth and intelligence lighted up every gathering.

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  • Nancy Woodson

    Getting to meet and know both Harold and Betty was one of the highlights of my life. They are both highly intelligent and at the same time very down to earth and easy to get to know. Conversations were always interesting, and the bridge games lots of fun, though Harold's skill was usually superior to the others at the table. For me, one of the saddest parts of getting older is to helplessly sit here as so many friends and acquaintances move on to the next realm. My thoughts are with your special family. Nancy Woodson

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  • Michael Pillsbury

    Warmth and peace are what I felt every time I saw her smile. She was so kind and nice to me that I could not help but feel better for having had the opportunity to know her. I remember one time at Disney World during a Mathcounts national Competition walking by the pool and hearing a voice calling my name!!! I looked and she was in the pool. i did not even know she was there, of course she was with her grandson. Family meant so much to her.
    The world was better with Betty in it....

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  • Freda Carson

    Rest in peace my friend. Always enjoy talking with Betty.With Love and my deepest sympathies

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  • Phylis Niccolai

    We will always remember Betty's loving spirit and generosity. She enriched our lives as young parents and struggling educators when UNCC was only a small local university. Betty helped us build memories and a love for learning that have lasted a lifetime. May God shine His perpetual light upon her.

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  • ILENE ROSENTHAL & STEVEN REITER

    Dear Harold, Ashley, and Family,

    We are deeply sorry to hear about Betty's passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. It must have brought her great comfort, and you as well, to have been by her side in her final moments. May her cherished memory always be a blessing, and may she rest in peace. May her spirit continue to watch over you and remain in your hearts forever !!

    With love and deepest sympathy,
    Ilene Rosenthal and Steven Reiter

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