Lula E. (Lovely) Botkin

Lula Evelene (Lovely Botkin), a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, was born on September 6,1929 in Jacksboro, TN. She peacefully departed from this world surrounded by her family on September 26, 2025 in Dayton, Ohio leaving behind a legacy defined by her devotion to family, faith, and the values she imparted to those she loved.

Lula's early life was rooted in her service to others. Shortly after graduation from Jacksboro High School, she moved to Dayton, OH. She worked at Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC) until 1955, after which she chose the rewarding path of being a homemaker to her husband and four children. Lula's quiet strength and dedication as a caretaker to both family members and neighbors would shape the lives of her children forever.

Lula’s life was a testament to the importance of family. Every Saturday night, she could be found bobby-pinning her daughters' hair for church on Sunday morning. Lula also taught her children the vital lesson that one should always leave a place better than they found it - a habit she embraced in every aspect of her life.

As a devout Christian, she nurtured her faith and imparted it to her children, instilling in them a deep sense of morality and kindness. Lula and her sister Lillie were among the founding members of Dayton Baptist Temple, now Cornerstone Baptist Temple. They even babysat Pastor Fleming’s children as they were starting the church. Her passions for gardening and yardwork reflected her love for nature, while her role as a Girl Scout leader, school mom, and active PTA member demonstrated her commitment to supporting her family and community. One way Lula demonstrated her enduring love and respect for family who passed before her was by consistently adorning their graves.

In her passing, Lula Botkin leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She truly left the world better than she found it.

Lula is survived by her devoted children, Jim (Fran) Botkin, Kathy Botkin, Karen Miller, and Patty Breig. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, Christina (Ryan) Barrett, Debbie (Bryan) Buffington, and Jessica (Tobin) Perrill, as well as her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Amacker, Annabeth Barrett, Ember Buffington, Theo Perrill, Ellie Perrill, and Oliver Perrill. They were the proudest accomplishments of her life and her love for them knew no bounds.

Lula is now reunited with her beloved husband, William C. Botkin; her parents, Martha and Isaac Lovely; her stepdaughter, Connie Walker; her son-in-law, Dan Breig; and her grandchildren, James Michael Botkin and Laura Beth Botkin. She also joins her siblings, Lillie Earnhart, Henry Lovely, Viola Gentry, Ada Kitts, and Edra Farrish in eternal rest.

Lula's visitation will be held on October 2, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM,

In honor of Lula’s memory, either flowers or a donation in Lula's memory to Cornerstone Baptist Temple or another charity are appreciated.