Betty Lou Cheatham

Betty Lou Cheatham, 81, of West Carrollton, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2026. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and servant of God. Betty was known for her compassion, her never-ending love, and her generous spirit.

Betty was born in Oneida, Tennessee, the daughter of Hermon Franklin and Reba Catheline Jeffers Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lonnie Russell, and his wife, Kathy.

Betty met her beloved husband, Claude, at Tennessee Tech University. They married on November 27, 1964, and shared over 61 years together, raising three children — Evan (Anita) Cheatham, Alisa (Edward) Livesay, and Cassandra (Michael) Johnson — building a warm, welcoming home for all who entered. Throughout her life, Betty was a devoted caregiver and homemaker.

To her children, she was Mom; to her grandchildren, she was Mammaw; and to many others, she was "Aunt Betty." She was a source of comfort, wise advice, and treasured traditions. She was the master of chicken and dumplings. She loved crocheting, sewing, preparing meals that brought her family together, and instilling the values that mattered most to her. She had a love for flowers and her animals, most recently, Richard and Velvet.

Betty was survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren: Sarah Cheatham, Samuel (Emily) Cheatham, Logan (Mary Grace) Cheatham, Krista Livesay (Nic Coburn), Chelsea (Andrew) Parker, Jodi Livesay, Tonya Johnson (Michael Jung), and Troy (Holly) Wooton; brother-in-law, Jerry Fraser; nieces: LaQuita (Scott) Cheatham, Jennifer Fraser, Daphne (Matt) Lewis and Amber (Brent) Frederick; and nephew, Charles (Chuck) Jeffries; and great-grandchildren: Caydence, Tinsley, Zelda, and McKenzie; and her loving extended family and friends.

Betty will be remembered as the heart of her family for her strong faith, her kindness, and her generosity — but also for her spunk and a wit sharp enough to keep everyone on their toes. Her signature family phrase, "I okay, you okay?" was her way to always check in on those she loved. She made everyone feel welcome, whether they were family or an acquaintance. She was a good and faithful servant of the Lord, and her family finds comfort in knowing they will see her again.

The Cheatham family would like to thank the people of Vienna Springs Health Campus for their loving and compassionate care of Betty.

Visitation will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429, US, on August 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at Tobias Funeral Home at1:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Valley View Memorial Gardens, 170 N Valley Rd, Xenia, OH 45385, US, on August 20, 2026, following the funeral service.