Betty Rose Paul

Betty Rose Paul, 92, passed away peacefully at home with her husband and family members lovingly by her side on the morning of September 22nd. Betty was born on April 10th, 1931 the daughter of Harold Duffy and Mildred (Stump) of Washington, Indiana.

Betty moved to Evansville where she attended the College of Nursing in Evansville, Indiana. There she met the love of her life, and married Donald A. Paul in 1955. They celebrated 68 years of marriage on August 13th of this year. Theirs was the love story of a lifetime. Those who knew them said that they have never seen two people more in love than Betty and Don. They were best friends and savored their time spent together. Dad rarely left her side during her nine month journey of in home hospice care.

Betty and Don welcomed and raised five children, Deborah R. Cox (Marvin) of Danville, Illinois, Darlene VanAllen (John) of Oakwood, Illinois, Larry Paul (Mary Roop) of Evansville, David Paul (Lisa), Effingham, Illinois, and Linda Paul who resides with her parents. They had two grandchildren, Jamie Hastings (Ian) of Sidney, Illinois, and Sean VanAllen of Oakwood, Illinois. Two step grandchildren, Jennifer Cox, of Chicago, Illinois and Chris Richardson of Hillsborough, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Duffy and Mildred Stump of Washington, Indiana and sister, Judy Ann Meredith, of Radcliff, Kentucky.

Betty loved the Lord and she and Don were long-time members of St. Benedict's Cathedral. She spoke often of her faith and did not know how others navigated through their lives without this precious gift. We are grateful as the good Lord's presence was felt throughout her entire journey. She was passionate about her chosen occupation as a Registered Nurse for many years. She had success in her career and garnered respect as a compassionate and dynamic woman in a then male dominated field in her profession. She was an avid reader and loved a great novel often engaged in reading two books at one time. She was gifted in her crafts and crocheted, but mastered the art of cross stitch so much so that her artistry was often displayed at the craft store, “Beverly's.” Her framed work adorns the walls of her and her family's homes. Mom loved music from country to rock and she even coerced Don into joining her for a Rod Stewart concert with his earplugs in tow. She loved reading the Courier Press. She and Don celebrated the holidays and she relished the Rankin Bass Christmas programs. She looked forward to the evening news, but only channel 14. Betty possessed a great sense of humor. She embraced the challenging seasons in her life having her moments when warranted and then turned her focus to highlight the brighter side of life.

She was a beautiful, articulate, gifted, intelligent woman who was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her. We wish to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jackson and all of our Gentiva Hospice team who continued to care for Betty in such a caring, compassionate, loving, and selfless fashion throughout her earthly journey. We are also grateful to our family and friends for their unwavering prayers and support in this season of challenge.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Gentiva Hospice or St. Benedict Cathedral.

There will be a Mass celebrating Betty's life at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, officiated by Father Alex Zenthoefer, at St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln Ave., Evansville IN, followed by an interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.