Betty Jean Laster, 88 of Russellville, KY, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 26. A native of Todd County, born on September 11, 1937, she was a child of the Depression, the daughter of sharecroppers: Otis Jackson and Mabel “Ione” Sadler Hightower of Allegre. She lived her life in and around Todd County, as the wife and then former wife of a minister, also ministering to the community, singing alto in the choir, teaching and assisting children’s programming. Later, she worked for a time at Rockwell and then became an office assistant, retiring from the Social Services Office.

Yet it is through her small acts of service that she will be remembered: vacuuming a living room when her friend was no longer able, leaving encouraging, handwritten notes in a mailbox, or knocking on a door when few came. If you visited her home, she wouldn’t settle until she was satisfied that you’d been fed, and if you’d stay the night, she’d serve you breakfast on her fine china.

Nothing made her happier than capturing a moment, then tucking it into a photo album, a family gathering (even if she worried there wasn’t enough food), a phone call. To her grandchildren, she’ll be remembered for first library cards, Smurf puzzles, peanut butter cookies, the crisscrossed marks of fork and a sprinkle of sugar on top, and her delicious chocolate chip cookies that were cooled in the kitchen window. To her children, she was home, the keeper of family stories and mementos, the prayer warrior, and the giver of more than a few too-short bangs.

She is preceded in death by four brothers, Dudley Bass and Thelma Boone (children), Winfred Hightower of Hopkinsville, and National DAV Chairman, Billy Hightower of Grand Junction, CO. 

She is survived by her three devoted children: Sherry Hill, husband John, of Williamsburg, KY; Victoria Costello, widow of Gary Costello, of Lewisburg, KY; and Jeff Laster of Lewisburg, KY. In addition, she is survived by seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren: Jeremy Hill, father to Ethan and Anna, of Clarksville, TN; Jamey Temple, wife of B.J. and mother to Jadon, Chloe, and Declan, of Williamsburg, KY; Keith Costello, husband of Amber and father to Austin, Keira and Kadyn, of Auburn, KY; Matt Costello, father to Trey and Deacon, of Russellville, KY; Lindsay Costello, mother to Sydney and Sadie Pendleton, of Auburn, KY; Lawson Laster, husband of Abby, of Bowling Green, KY; and Joe Dan Laster, husband of Chelsey, father to Everly and Jagger, of Clarksville, TN.

While her family grieves her absence, they are grateful for the life she lived and the many ways she made a difference in the lives of others: the countless people she encourage , welcomed, fed, prayed for, and loved.

Arrangements: Price Funeral Home, Inc. located at 252 East Green St. Lewisburg, KY

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 30 from 1:00-3:00 at the funeral home. 

Funeral Service will start at 3:00

Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery

Bro. Carl Freudenthal; Bro. John Mark Williams; Bro. Larry Vaught leading the service with Eulogy by Matt Costello

Pall Bearers: Jeremy Hill, Keith Costello, Matt Costello, Lawson Laster, Joe Dan Laster & Trey Costello