Betty Phelps

Betty Jane Alexander Phelps entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 13th at the Jean Waddle Hospice Care Unit in Somerset, Kentucky, at the age of 86.

Born on June 3, 1939, in the Ruth Community of Pulaski County, Betty was the youngest of six daughters born to William Elbert and Carlie Lee Hines Alexander, who preceded her in death. On January 4, 1958, she married the love of her life, L. Howard Phelps, who also went before her. Sisters preceding her in death were Edna (Sam) Cox, Essie (Ed) Ping, Lucille (Coy) Bolton, Ruth (Charlie) Smiley and Verla (Johnny) Mize all of Somerset.

God came first in her life and through that love she held a strong bond to her church and family. Betty was a devoted member of Langdon Street Baptist Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir and served in the church library until her health declined. To know Betty was to love her-she was widely regarded as one of the kindest, most gentle souls anyone could meet. Her life was a reflection of God's love, and she shared that love freely with everyone around her. Her deep love for Jesus guided every part of her life, and she was a faithful prayer warrior for her family, friends, and those in need.

Upon retirement from Pulaski Co. High School where she worked in the office, she lovingly served as a caregiver to both her mother and mother-in-law at various times, embodying the compassion and selflessness that defined her character. Her nurturing spirit continued into retirement, when she joyfully stepped into the role of full-time babysitter for each of her four grandchildren--a role she cherished deeply.

She was blessed with a large family who were never far apart. For many years, Thursdays were considered "hair day" and she and her sisters spent their day getting their hair done by their sister (the beautician) and then having a lunch together prepared by their mom. She and Howard enjoyed searching for antiques at auctions, driving through Kentucky trying out local restaurants and taking family vacations to Gatlinburg. In later years, she enjoyed a Cracker Barrel lunch followed by a day of cards with friends and family.

She also found joy in reading her Bible, watching birds (despite being terrified of them), diving into novels, and spending time on her computer. One of her greatest delights was watching her grandchildren grow into adults and then playing with her great-grandsons. Like the great-grandsons, the neighborhood and church children were always welcomed with open arms and a warm smile and most likely chocolate and smarties. Her gift for hospitality was unmatched. She never let anyone leave hungry and made you feel like every meal you prepared was the best she'd ever had.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in her daughters, Karla Beth (David) Hargis and Krista Brooke (Keith) Pierce, both of Somerset; her grandchildren, Logan (Rachel) Hargis, Zachary (Whitnie) Hargis of Somerset, and Bailey Pierce and Parker Pierce of Lexington; and her great-grandchildren, Jace, Miles, and Theo Hargis, along with Theo's eagerly awaited sibling. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, cherished neighbors, and dear friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home and after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning until time for services at the Langdon Street Baptist Church.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Langdon Street Baptist Church, officiated by Bro. Dustin Rader and her grandson and pastor, Bro. Logan Hargis.

Interment will be at the Clay Hill Cemetery.

The family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice of Lake Cumberland.