Obituary for Betty Lou Gillis Betty Lou Searcy Gillis, age 86, passed away peacefully at her caregiver’s home in New Albany, IN, on April 9, 2018. Her passing was as beautiful as her life and the 60+ years she spent adoring her late husband, Robert E. Gillis (Bob). Born on March 8, 1932, Betty spent the majority of her life in between Louisville and Naples.
Camping trips, hometown visits, and time with children and grandchildren were her favorite pastimes. Betty wholeheartedly enjoyed her family, friends, her church, entertaining others, Kentucky basketball, and eating desserts of all kinds. As her love for caring for and helping others evolved so naturally, so did her sweet tooth.
Dinners out were always followed by dessert and no dessert was ever too big. An elegant lady of dignity, Betty was active and served as President of the Kentucky Federation of Republican Woman. She was well known throughout Kentucky for her patriotism and dedication.
Her role as a mother kept her on her toes, day and night, always waiting at the front door for the kids to come home. No matter their adult age, when the phone rang her first question was always “Where are you? ” Betty lived out her motherly responsibilities to the fullest and became a mother to many others along her journey.
Teaching Sunday school and working with the Boys Scouts of America plus an endless number of volunteer organizations were all part of her calling. Betty’s life took a turn with the onset of Alzheimer’s, however, her charisma, beauty, and character remained, as did her servanthood to those she was around. Since Bob’s passing 16 months ago and despite the disease, Betty lived one of her most exciting, entertaining, and loved periods of her gracious life.
With the incredible support of close family, friends, and her beloved caregivers, Dottie and Kristen, Betty came to life, making road trips to Washington, D.C., Asheville, NC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, for Christmas on the beach, and many more local destinations, including her birthplace. With a personal caregiver, Betty found a renewed life.
She was predeceased by her 6 brothers, loving husband, Bob, and her son, Robert E. Gillis, Jr. Left to cherish her memory is her son Phillip A. Corky Gillis (Kristen) of Pinehurst, NC; and daughter-in-law Linda Gillis of Owensboro, KY. She is survived by her grandchildren: Nick A. Gillis (Mandy), Taylor Gillis Clement (Baxter), Erica Gillis (Blake); great-grandchildren William Baxter Clement IV, Augustus Arthur Baxter Clement and more on the way! She also leaves cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved so dearly.
Her family would like to extend special thanks to those who cared for Betty including the wonderful staff at Magnolia Springs and our heaven-sent angel, Dottie, and her husband, Ray, who opened their home so generously. Their care and compassion for Betty came so naturally and they shared the joy of Betty with their own friends, family, and neighbors, creating a circle of love and friendships that are now everlasting. A memorial reception and service will be held at Beargrass Christian Church, 4100 Shelbyville Road on Saturday April 14, 2018.
Burial will be private. The visitation/reception will take place from 11:30am-1pm. A celebration service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beargrass Christian Church or donor’s charity of choice as Betty would want you to spread love as you wish. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty Lou Gillis please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Private Burial KY, 2018 Previous Events Visitation 2018 APR 14.
11:30 AM – 01:00 PM Beargrass Christian Church 4100 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY, US, 40207 Funeral 2018 APR 14.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
