Betty McElwain 80, of Calhoun, Kentucky passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024 at her home in Calhoun. Betty Lou Howell was born April 30, 1944 in McLean County, Kentucky to the late Gordie and Myrtle Lee Ford Howell and was married to Alden Wheeler McElwain on June 22, 1985. Betty was a beacon of warmth and kindness throughout her lifetime in the embrace of the community she loved.
Betty’s life was marked by dedication and warmth, both in her professional endeavors and personal relationships. After a career with York International in Madisonville, she retired to focus on community service, pouring her energies into the Meals on Wheels program in McLean County. Her work there not only showcased her commitment to her community but also her compassionate spirit, as she helped ensure that her neighbors were nourished and cared for.
Later in life, Betty embraced the role of a homemaker with the same passion and grace that characterized all her pursuits. Her home was a testament to her love for gardening, with vibrant blooms and lush greenery that mirrored the beauty and care she put into every aspect of her life. Betty’s interest in literature kept her mind sharp and her conversations rich, while her love of old western movies provided a delightful escape and entertainment.
A member of Glenville Baptist Church, Betty’s spiritual life was a cornerstone of her existence. She was a woman of great strength, compassion, and dignity. Those who knew Betty were touched by her generosity, her resilient spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her family and friends. The memories of her vibrant spirit and the legacy of her kindness will continue to inspire and comfort those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a step son, Jeff McElwain; a step daughter, Carolyn Harris; and by two brothers, Carl Howell and Truman Howell.
Betty is survived by her husband of 39 years, Alden McElwain; two step grandchildren, Sarah Harris (Micah Hayden) of Utica and Joe Harris of Owensboro; a brother, Gene Howell of Greenville; and a sister, Exie ‘Bea’ Gilland of Greenville.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Glenville Baptist Cemetery in Daviess County. Friends may visit with Betty’s family from 10:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at Musters in Calhoun.
The Betty McElwain family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Glenville Baptist Cemetery Fund; C/O Shelia Iglehart; 3451 Kentucky 140 West; Utica, Kentucky 42376.
Betty’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday.
Share your memories and photos of Betty at musterfuneralhomes.com.