Betty Young 90, of Calhoun, Kentucky passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Riverside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Calhoun. Betty Jean Known to her loved ones as Betty, Betty Jean West was born on Christmas Day, 1932, in McLean County, Kentucky, to the late James Nelson and Addie Adeline Willis West. She was married to Jesse Ray “J.R.” Young August 14, 1950. Her unwavering spirit and the love she had for her family and friends will be deeply missed but always cherished.
Betty dedicated many years of her life to the Lighthouse Restaurant in Calhoun as a cook before retiring. Her culinary skills were not just appreciated by the patrons of the restaurant, but also by her family, who often gathered around her kitchen table to enjoy her home-cooked meals. Her work at the restaurant was a testament to her hardworking nature and commitment to providing for her family.
Betty was an active member of the Calhoun Baptist Church, where she found spiritual fulfillment and a community of support. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she demonstrated it through her kindness and compassion towards others.
In her leisure time, Betty had a passion for caring for her flowers and tending her garden. She was an avid fan of NASCAR and dirt track races, always eager to cheer on her favorite drivers and definitely “Boo” the ones she did not like. She also enjoyed fishing and took many memorable trips to Kentucky Lake. Her love for creating was evident in her beautiful quilts and crocheted items, each piece a testament to her patience and skill.
Betty’s life was a living example of dedication and love. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family to her community, and she always had a kind word and a welcoming smile for everyone she met. She was a beacon of warmth and comfort, and her legacy of love will continue to live on through her family and friends.
In the words of her grandchildren, “Nannie was the heart of our family. She taught us the importance of kindness, hard work, and the joy of a well-cooked meal. Her love for her garden was only surpassed by the love she had for her family. We will miss her dearly but find comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to guide us.”
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, Jesse Ray ‘J.R.’ Young, who passed away on October 30, 1995. She was also predeceased by her sons, Frankie Young and Jackie R. Young and by her companion of 16 years, Bob Shanks, Sr.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Deborah Ann Briody of Calhoun; a daughter-in-law, Susan Young of Calhoun; four grandchildren, Darrick Lee (Donna), Deanna Kruse (Kurt), Brandon Young (Brittney), and Damian Young (Tabatha Lat); 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lillie Kirtley of Island.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel with Dr. Richard Sams officiating. Burial will be in the New Cypress Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Betty’s family from 11:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Monday at Musters in Calhoun.
Betty’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 3:00 P.M. Monday.
The Betty Young family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Calhoun Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund; P.O. Box 283; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.
Share your memories and photos of Betty at musterfuneralhomes.com.