Betty Evelyn Walker

Betty Evelyn Walker, 94, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed into eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Appropriately, this Mother’s Day was a special reunion and time of rejoicing when Betty met not only her Savior but also her precious mother.

Born on December 5, 1930 in Cheshire, Ohio, Betty was the daughter of the late Lester Dale and Mazie Lettie Darst Roush. Beginning her education at the age of four allowed Betty to graduate from Cheshire High School in the Class of 1947; Betty enjoyed seeing fellow classmates at Cheshire High School reunions. At the age of 16, Betty embarked on her business career, working 44 years for Evans Enterprises (Evans Packing Company, Triple E Ranch, and Evans Enterprises). Betty graduated with a first-hand experience business degree from Emerson E. Evans. As his administrative assistant, Betty was responsible for organizing information necessary to all the Evans business ventures. This included working with Emerson E. Evans in the initial stages of Bob Evans Restaurants. Betty loved crunching numbers and keeping immaculate records; her organization skills were incomparable.

Although volumes could be written on the business side of Betty, nothing meant more to her than her family. On November 15, 1953, Betty married Harold Lloyd Walker, who survives her in Gallipolis. God blessed this 71 year marriage with two daughters, Paula S. (David) Clay and Letty (Matt) Willis all of Gallipolis. Later, Betty’s heart welcomed four grandchildren, Kelsey (Brandon) Mitchem, Garrison (Lindsey) Salisbury, and Brianne R. Willis all of Gallipolis and Brooke (Samuel) Frazier of Russell, Kentucky and seven great grandchildren, Kylee Paige, Reese Alexandria, Thomas Caleb, and Addison Sue Mitchem, Garrin Lloyd and Brooks Lee Salisbury, and Maeve Evelyn Frazier. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Betty’s “children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31: 28-29) “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26) Betty was a source of advice on any topic. She lovingly sent cards and notes of encouragement to church family and friends. After Christmas, she would mail “I spent my first Christmas in Heaven” letters to family members of those who lost loved ones throughout that year.

Betty was a member of First Baptist Church in Gallipolis; Harold and she faithfully attended as their health would allow. “A woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31: 30b) In her later years, Betty enjoyed going to the Holzer Fitness Center; she could outrun anyone with her rollator. Betty may have been short in stature, but she was exceptionally tall in the eyes of those who knew and loved her. Betty still spent hours in her study working on her journals, records, and accounting documents.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her sisters, Ethel L. Bradbury Peters and Geneva V. Scott.

The Funeral Service for Betty will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Aaron Young, Pastor Nathan Dupont, and Pastor Marc Sarrett officiating. Friends and family are welcome to call/visit prior to the service Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Betty’s precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.