Betty Watkins

Betty L. Watkins, age 89, of Spencer, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, with her daughters by her side. She was born July 14, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Emory Sumner and Maud Summers.

She loved her family and was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved to paint and do craft work and would frequently visit any Goodwill store she could find. She loved buying dolls, cleaning them up, and making them new clothes to wear.

She loved making trips to Georgia to see all of her family, and if she could, she would find even more Goodwill stores to scope out.

She is survived by her children: sons Billy Banther, Jimmy (Kathy) Banther, and David (Lavonia) Masterson; and daughters Karen Hicks and Mary (Keith) Shrum. She is also survived by her brother, Bobby (Helen) Sumner; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson; as well as many nieces and nephews and her lifelong best friend, Roena Pelton.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Cathy Masterson; two granddaughters; and her brothers, Billy Sumner and Ben Summers.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on June 13, 2026, in Spencer, Indiana. More details to follow.