Betty Hurst Dudley

Betty Hurst Dudley, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 24, 2026.

Betty was known for her passion for education, her stern yet compassionate discipline, her fabulous fashion sense, and most importantly, her steadfast love and devotion for her family.

Betty was a graduate of Powell County High School, where she was a cheerleader and crowned May Day Queen. She continued her education at Eastern Kentucky University, where she distinguished herself both academically and socially. A true beauty queen since birth, she was crowned Miss Eastern in 1957 and went on to serve as the school's Mount Laurel Festival Representative, a tradition she cherished. She was also honored as Military Ball Queen and University Prom Queen, titles she did not take lightly as they were awarded by her peers. Finally, before graduation she was recognized for her academic achievements through her inclusion in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Following her graduation with a degree in education, Betty dedicated 35 years of her life to teaching. She served in various schools across the state and was proud of having a role in opening and directing the Powell County Head Start program, a groundbreaking achievement in early childhood education, that benefited generations of Powell County students. She was widely respected for her commitment to her students, her passion for learning, and the lasting impact she made in the classroom. Until the day she passed, Betty was able to recall every student she had ever taught and would tell stories that still could make her laugh or cry. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades recognizing her excellence in education, including being named Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1992 and receiving the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year award in 1996. To Betty, teaching wasn't just a job, it was a lifestyle, and one she handled with grace and poise.

After retiring from teaching, Betty and her husband, Andy, owned and operated several Papa John's Pizza franchises, and from then on, it was the only pizza she'd ever order for family gatherings. Together, they built a successful business and created memories that lasted a lifetime.

Above all her accomplishments, Betty's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her three children, dedicating her life to ensuring they were well educated, grounded in strong values, and prepared to be responsible, contributing citizens. In later years, she was blessed with one granddaughter, Madalyn Courtney Dudley, who became the light of her life. Betty poured her love, patience, and wisdom into Madalyn, serving as her greatest cheerleader and using her gift for teaching to guide and support her during her formative years. Andy and Betty cherished every moment they spent with Madalyn, finding in her a joy greater than any accomplishment.

Betty was a faithful member of Baptist churches since the age of ten. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, shaping her values, her service to others, and her deep commitment to family and community. There was not a day in which she did not pray over her family and now she has the opportunity to sit at the right hand of her Savior to ensure that her family is well taken care of.

She is survived by her children: Tim Dudley (Christine) and Melissa Sheets (Mike); her granddaughter, Madalyn Dudley; her step-granddaughter, Michaela Trobaugh (Tylor); and step-grandchildren, Myla, Atlas, and Aklin. She is also survived by her nieces: Stephanie Wells, Gwen Hurst, Carolyn White, and Jennifer Gilburg; her nephew: Mark Hewson; her great nieces: Heather Combs (Shannon) and Becky Wells; one great-great niece, Whitley Combs; her special friend, Alicia Hernedez; and a host of friends and relatives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Dudley, her son Sam Dudley, and brother Harold Hurst and sister-in-law, Bertha Hurst.

Per her request, a graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Winchester Cemetery Pavilion, 625 West Lexington Avenue, Winchester, Kentucky.

Betty Dudley will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy will live on through her family, her former students, and all who were blessed to know her.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.