Betty Lou Sowders

Betty grew up in Monroe County among a large, loving family of five brothers and two sisters. She found joy in the hills and hollers of the area, where running and playing in the woods were everyday delights. At 17, she met Deward Jerry Sowders, and they married soon after. They built a simple, hardworking life together—Jerry working in the limestone mills and Betty cleaning houses—and they created a home that welcomed family with warmth and laughter.

Betty and Jerry raised two children in the Smithville, Ramp Creek area. In 1998, they moved across the street from Smithville School, where they spent many evenings and days hosting family and caring for their grandson, Thomas. Those who knew Betty remember her as funny and quick-witted, with a fantastic gift for cooking that brought joy to gatherings and everyday meals alike.

She is survived by her son Gerald (Valerie) Sowders and daughter Rose Sowders; grandson Jesse Sowders and Thomas Rainbolt; great-grandchildren Clayton Sowders, Jessa Sowders, Loghan Sowders, and several other great-grandchildren; brothers James Eads and David (Bonnie) Eads; and several nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, son Richard, her brothers Leon, Raymond, and Ronnie, her sisters Debra Kay and Patsy Sue, and the love of her life, Jerry.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be Monday, April 6th at Day & Deremiah-Fry Funeral Home, 4150 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN. Family and friends are welcome from Noon-2pm, followed by a service from 2-2:30pm. A procession will occur through the Monroe County hills Betty loved with the final inurnment at Smithville Cemetery next to her beloved Jerry. The family asks that memory gifts be directed to the Smithville Community Center, 7555 Strain Ridge Road, Bloomington, IN 47401.

Betty Lou Sowders will be remembered for her humor, kindness, and the generous love she shared with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.