Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association

Betty Bowman Gabbard

Obituary from the Booneville KY Funeral Home

Booneville, KY- Betty Sue (Bowman) Gabbard, age 86, widow of Wilson O. Gabbard, departed this life unexpectedly Thursday, February 14, 2019, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY.

Betty was born September 29, 1932 in the Earnestville Community of Owsley County, a daughter to the late Robert S. and Hazel (Creech) Bowman. She was a retired High School Librarian with the Owsley County High School, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Eastern Star. She loved spending time with her family and through the years, Betty became known simply as "Grandma" to all that knew her. She loved her friends and enjoyed Genealogy, Photography, and Gardening. She was a devout Christian, and a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Booneville.

Grandma is survived by 1 daughter; Sue (Gene) Philpot of Wildwood, FL, 2 sons; Bill (Tina) Gabbard of Booneville, KY and Mike (Charlene) Gabbard of Augusta, KY, 8 grandchildren; David (Jennifer) Helms, Walt (Kayla) Gabbard, Amanda (Emmett) Mastin, Michelle (Kendall) Bloomfield, Jessica (Jason) Lykins, Natalie (Aaron) Insko, and Wilson (Katie) Gabbard, Craig (Becca) Schuster, 18 great-grandchildren, a special friend Cynthia Downey along with many other loving family members, neighbors and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, and 2 brothers; Donnie and Gerald Bowman.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Booneville Funeral Home with a visitation on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Booneville Funeral Home with Dr. Dennis Brewer and Pastor Jimmy Garland officiating.

Grandma will be laid to rest in the Gabbard Family Cemetery, on the Gabbard Family Farm located on the Right-hand Fork of Buffalo in Owsley County.

Pallbearers are: David Helms, Walt Gabbard, Emmett Mastin, Kendall Bloomfield, Jason Lykins, Aaron Insko, Wilson Gabbard, and Craig Schuster. Honorary Pallbearers are: Jess Bishop Jr., Jimmie Herald, Paul Johnson, Phillip Bowling, Mark Edwards and Carl Cooper.

The Booneville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Graphic from Rhio's Sampler