Betsy Shaw Willits

1930 – 2013

Betsy S. Willits, 82, died unexpectedly on March 30, 2013. Betsy was born on June 29, 1930 in Louisville, KY., the oldest of three children born to William Shaw II and Rebekah Harrington. Betsy married John Edward Willits on July 21, 1948 and together they raised six children.

Betsy was gifted with many talents and interests, such as writing, painting, astrology, crafting and cooking. Betsy took pride in her cooking, sharing, with many, her most favorite recipes. Throughout her life she was a gracious hostess welcoming family and friends into her home for delightful dinners and fun-filled holiday parties. She also had a passion for the ocean and a fascination with pirates and ships. Betsy was a certified Graphoanalyst and was a member of the PTA. Betsy will be remembered for her writings, her many oil paintings, crafts, cooking, her love of the ocean and her loving attentiveness toward her children and grandchildren.

Betsy is preceded in death by her husband, John Edward Willits; her son’s John Edward Jr., and Carl Morgan; and her brother William Shaw III. She is survived by: her sister, Sylvia Morrison; four of her children: Tom (Linda) Willits, Larry (Cheryl) Willits, Betsy Willits (Steve Hubka) and Sylvia Jones; eleven grandchildren: Sherry & Amber Willits; Jeff, Steven, & Amy Willits; John Willits, Rebekah Slegl, Sarina Tarsa, Sadie, Arthur, & Annabel Jones; and two great-grandchildren: Jenna and James Tarsa. Betsy was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.