Betty Jane "Umnus" Gallahar

Betty Jane (Umnus) Gallahar, age 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Betty was born on April 5, 1931, and lived a full and meaningful life devoted to her family, her work, and her many creative passions. She retired in 2002 from the Walker County Educational System, having faithfully served at Mountain View Elementary School. Betty took great pride in her work and in the many students and families she impacted over the years.

Betty was a devoted Cub Scout and Boy Scout Den Mother who loved creating projects and guiding young boys through meaningful activities. She was an avid gardener who found great joy in working in her yard and tending to her flowers. In earlier years, she was a dedicated dog handler, traveling across the country to show various dog breeds.

Betty had a gift for creativity and enjoyed many craft projects throughout her life. One of her most treasured traditions was making special Christmas ornaments each year with her nearby grandchildren, a tradition that will continue to hold deep sentimental value for her family. In the mid-1970s, Betty set out to build something that would become the heart of their home, a beautiful brick fireplace. With steady hands and a determined spirit, Betty laid every single brick herself. Her children worked faithfully by her side, keeping her supplied with bricks and mortar, turning the project into a labor of love. That fireplace stood not only as a source of warmth, but as a lasting symbol of Betty's strength, work ethic, and devotion to her family. It was built with her own hands and surrounded by laughter, teamwork, and the simple joy of being together. It was just one of the many ways she poured her heart into creating a home filled with love. Betty will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of dedication, creativity, and love for family will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Virgil Gallahar; her parents, Henry and Delia (Sanger) Umnus of Cooperstown, Wisconsin; her brother, Harold Umnus; and her sister, Janet Wilson.

She is survived by her sons, Jeff Gallahar of Colorado, Mike (Pam) Gallahar of Rock Spring, and Scott (Tina) Gallahar of Trion; her stepdaughters, Dianne Bacorn of Golden, Oklahoma, and Suzanne Parsons of Birmingham, Alabama; her grandchildren, Chris Gallahar, Nathan Gallahar, Matthew Gallahar, Shauna (Ryan) Clark, and Wesley (Alyssa) Gallahar; and several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Memorial Graveside services will be held at Calvary Gardens and Mausoleum. Time and date to be announced.