Betty Jean Pride, a cherished matriarch and pillar of the Washington, Indiana community, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on December 15, 1927, in the same town she would eventually leave her lasting legacy, Betty’s life was one marked by dedication, love, and unwavering faith.
Betty’s early years were spent in the nurturing care of her parents, Gaither and Hallie Elizabeth Rutledge Davis. She attended Whittier School in Veale Township for her primary education and later walked the halls of Washington High School, graduating with the class of 1946. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for the remarkable woman she would become.
On July 26, 1947, Betty married the love of her life, Oral Lee Pride, embarking on a journey of companionship and mutual respect that would last until his passing on October 7, 2014. Together, they built a family and a life filled with joy and purpose. Betty’s dedication to her family was unwavering, and she is survived by her devoted son, Kevin Lee (Ellen) Pride; her adoring grandsons, Matthew (Megan) Pride and Michael Pride; and her five great- grandchildren, Mya, Jessica, Tinlee, Shelby, and Zander Pride, who will carry her legacy forward. She also leaves behind several nephews, nieces, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.
Betty’s professional life was characterized by hard work and commitment. She retired from Uniroyal after more than 32 years of dedicated service and also contributed five years of her expertise to Nasco. Her skills as a seamstress were not only a testament to her meticulous nature but also a cherished hobby that she enjoyed throughout her life.
Beyond her family and work, Betty’s faith was a cornerstone of her existence. She was an active member of Aikman Creek Baptist Church, where she found great solace and community. Her involvement with the Cumback Home Extension Club was another avenue through which she enriched her life and the lives of others, sharing her knowledge, compassion, and warmth with all she encountered.
Betty’s life was one of quiet strength and enduring love. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oral Lee Pride, and her brothers, Leon, Robert, and Kenneth Davis. Her parents, Gaither and Hallie Elizabeth Rutledge Davis, also preceded her in this journey to eternal peace.
As we bid farewell to Betty, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed with grace, and a soul that has undoubtedly found its rest. Her memory will be treasured, her presence sorely missed, and her impact on the world indelible. Betty Jean Pride’s story is one of a life that, while now concluded in the physical sense, will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
Visitation will be at Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home, 308 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501 on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm with a service immediately following at 12:00 pm to be officiated by Pastor Phil Kessen. Betty will be laid to rest in Aikman Creek Cemetery. Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Pride’s arrangements. The family welcomes online condolences at www.gilsince1872.com
