Obituary of Bettie May

BETTIE MAY Mrs. Bettie Lee Barberick May, 89, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025 in Georgetown, Kentucky. She was born on July 9, 1935 in Covington, Kentucky, the oldest daughter of the late Sherman Lee and Elizabeth Niehoff Barberick of Morning View, Kentucky. Bettie was a graduate of Simon Kenton High School and Georgetown College. She was married to her beloved husband, William Jackson May, for 65 years, knowing each other since first grade. A long-time resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, she was involved in several clubs and organizations, serving as president of the Frankfort Younger Women’s Club and Capital City Garden Club, and wsa an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school and served as a deacon and elder. She was a creative individual, teaching art and sharing her talents of painting, pottery, stained glass, basket making, and flower arranging, among many others. After retiring from State Government as a Disability Determiner, she enjoyed spending winters in Florida, traveling, and golf, and her passion for gardening led her to become a Certified Flower Show Judge. A gracious hostess, she was always opening her home to others. Bettie is survived by her husband; her sister Dixie Jane Dressman; her children Elizabeth Lee Bates, Bill May, Jr., and Mary Melissa Shelton; and grandchildren Alexander Coleman Bates, William Kirk Shelton, and Benjamin Richmond Shelton. She was a unique individual who made a lasting impact on everyone she met and will be dearly missed. Her legacy of love, faith, learning, and community service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Visitation will be held Friday, March 7th at Rogers Funeral Home from 4 to 6 PM. A graveside service will take place at 11 AM Saturday, March 8th at the Independence Cemetery in Independence, KY.