BETTIE LOUISE LAKE, 80, of Paris, passed from this life at 7:50 AM on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at her home. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Starrett Funeral Home, who will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 PM Monday, March 28, 2016 at Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal, with Fr. Craig Reed as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the Holy Cross Columbarium.

Betty was born August 6, 1935 in Lexington, Oklahoma, a daughter of Claude Leroy and Eunice Blair Gowin. She attended Oklahoma schools, then worked as a secretary for the State of Oklahoma Department of the Treasury. She was a long-term department manager for Sears, then retired after a short career in the Insurance Industry. She was an avid reader, a member of several book clubs and had served as a library volunteer. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, and camping with her family, and enjoyed hosting an annual ladies camping trip with her daughters and other female members of the family. Moving to Paris in September 2010, she became a loyal member of the Texas Democratic Party. Her faith was deep and gave her strength which she shared in her membership at Church of the Holy Cross Episcopal.

She married Charles A. Lake on April 7th, 1966 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on November 4th, 2013.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Theda Smith; and her best friend, Janette Hackworth.

Surviving to cherish her memory are two daughters, Kathy Mitchell, of Paris, and Joy Beth Wilkerson, of Norman, Oklahoma; a son, Norman Victor Wilkerson, Jr., of Laughton, Oklahoma; two step-daughters, Dana Brown and Lauri Williams; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and love to Platinum hospice, especially to her caregivers Laine, Rachel, and Linda.

In lieu of usual remembrances, Bettie’s family would be grateful for contributions in her name to Platinum Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.

Friends may register in Bettie’s Book of Memories at www.starrettfunerals.com