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Betsy Anne Mahler

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Lafayette High School University of Kentucky

Betsy Mahler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 6, 2025.

Betsy Anne Mahler peacefully departed this life on June 25, 2025, surrounded by her children.

She is survived by her three daughters Kay Kessler Johnson, Ann Kessler Pence (Troy) and Patricia Golden (Dale), twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Betsy was born during the height of the Great Depression to Bess Lee and James Cordon Rigdon on January 7, 1935. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles; daughter, Milli Wills; grandchildren, Kelli Kay Tipton and John Tipton; and sisters, Carolyn Wheeler and Pat Rigdon.

She graduated from Lafayette High School and attended the University of Kentucky. She left her career in special diagnostics at the University of Kentucky to be a full-time mom. Betsy loved volunteering at the local food pantry, St. Joseph Hospital and St. Patrick Catholic Church. She brought style, elegance and grace to everything she touched. Her culinary and hostess gifts emerged at an early age when she invited all the second-grade girls to her impromptu birthday party! The party was also a big surprise for her mom as she didn't know about the celebration until the first guest arrived at the door. Betsy made holidays and birthdays special for her entire family. Whether she was president of the Alpha Omega Sorority or starting the very first bridge club in her new community of Mt. Sterling, she always brought people together with the most elegant meals and effortless entertaining. She shared countless delectable desserts and meals with those facing loss and difficult times.

Betsy loved traveling the world with Charlie, playing cards, folk dancing and spending time with friends. Her greatest accomplishment was her four girls, and she instilled the values of hard work, resilience and compassion for others. Our mother's strength was our inspiration, and she always told us to pull our hair back and move forward because "this too shall pass". She will be honored on July 12 at 11:00 am with a graveside service at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Ky.

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Recent Activity

July 8, 2025

Barbara Joan Evans posted to the memorial.

July 8, 2025

Barbara and Don Evans planted trees.

July 6, 2025

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Barbara Joan Evans

July 8, 2025

I will always remember, deep in my heart, my most dearest friend/family member, Betsy Mahler, more than one in a million and never to be duplicated. While Betsy was the real favorite in my former husbands mind and his whole family because she was the best, she continued the same for me all these many years. She supported me in my so many ways during a very serious and dark time in my life, like the true Angel from Heaven that she really still is! And I look forward to my time in the future to spend eternity right along side with her. Love to her dear husband Charlie who is flying high with her now, and to all her children and family members.
Thank you all for including me in the family circle, always.
Miss you Betsy, love ya, Barbara Evans