Betty Ries Ewing
Betty Ries Ewing left this world peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2024 at the age of 79 at her home in Campbellsville, Kentucky. She was born on May 14, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky to her parents Edward and Vivian Ries. She was preceded in death by her cherished sister, Linda Ries Hays.
Betty was the beloved wife of Dr. James A. Ewing with whom she shared 59 years of devoted marriage. Together they built a loving family exemplified by their children: Dr. Jimmy Ewing (Pam) of Campbellsville, Kentucky; Jennifer Meyers (Chuck) of Erlanger, Kentucky; and Jill Lee (Keith) of Frankfort, Kentucky. Betty’s love extended to her 6 grandchildren whom she was affectionately known as Nana –Shelby Ewing Gatlin (Bryan), Ries Ewing (Kelsey), Jennifer Mason Lee, Walker Lee, Carson Meyers, and Cooper Meyers. She had one great grandson, Grayson Gatlin, who truly lifted her spirits. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews to whom she was very close and a bonus daughter and devoted caregiver, Amanda McNeill.
Betty’s life was a testament to her vibrant spirit and diverse interests. She was a lifelong lover of a good book, bridge and gin rummy enthusiast, an avid Facebook user, and an online shopping aficionado. Her Christmases were legendary! Betty also had many talents from golfing, bowling and dancing in her younger years to sewing, knitting, and exploring new crafts she discovered on Pinterest. She and Jim were true blue Wildcat fans having season football tickets for 40 plus years. Betty looked forward to winter escapes on the beach in Marco Island, Florida hunting for a “good shell” and she spent her summers soaking in the sun on the houseboat at Green River Lake. She enjoyed planning special family trips where she loved being together to play games and hold family competitions.
In the 1980s, she shared her flare of style and retail shopping as a business owner of Sensations gift store. Despite the challenges of chronic back pain, this did not stop her from undertaking new endeavors or being present at every birthday party, graduation, wedding or family event.
Known for her love of conversation and proper grammar, she was never shy about sharing her opinions. She left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met. She maintained lifelong friendships with school friends from Seneca High, college friends from Western Kentucky State and neighbors from Tampa, Florida.
Betty was a dedicated member of Bethel First Presbyterian Church. She professed a deep love for Christ that guided her throughout her life.
Visitation will be at Parrott and Ramsey Funeral Home, Campbellsville, Kentucky on Thursday, March 28 from 5 to 8 PM. The funeral service will be Friday, March 29 at 11 AM at the Bethel First Presbyterian Church, 502 E. Main St. Prior to the service, additional visitation will be held from 10-11:00AM. A graveside service will be held at Bethel Cemetery at 3250 Old Columbia Rd., Campbellsville, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or to the American Pain and Disability Foundation (www.4apdf.org).
Life will be different without her sitting at her favorite spot on the couch. She could be found there reading the daily Courier Journal, looking at People magazine, perusing catalogs, working crossword puzzles or on her phone playing Wordle, Solitaire, Connections or the daily Quiz planet all while eating blueberries.
Betty’s legacy is one of love, resilience and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories and her family that adores her. May she rest in peace knowing she was truly loved.
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