Betty Kathlyn Whetsell was born in Dearborn, Michigan on March 12, 1937, to Metta Ross and John Ottley Jones. Jobs were scarce in West Kentucky during the Great Depression. Her father and his three brothers moved to Michigan because there were jobs available at automotive plants. All four families lived together in the same house, and they absolutely loved living in the tight quarters together.
Kathlyn’s family moved back to Benton, Kentucky when her father was hired as a welder to build the Kentucky Dam which introduced electricity to West Kentucky. Kathlyn grew up on a farm outside Benton. When she was seven, her father experienced severe medical conditions that prevented him from working for ten years. During those years, Kathlyn’s mother Metta raised cotton, strawberries and tobacco. Watching her mother’s strong fortitude during these formative years had a great impact on her life. During these years she spent countless hours with her beloved little brother Paul while her mother worked the fields. It was also during these years that Kathlyn’s love of Union Ridge Church developed. Her childhood love of that little country church was a big part of her life memories. This was the beginning of her life-long love of Jesus.
Kathlyn truly loved everyone. She was a devoted wife, a selfless mother and a constant giver. Kathlyn was blessed with so many wonderful friends that she cherished all her life. She had several ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary War and it seemed like she was related to everyone in Benton sometime in the past 250 years. A timeline that somehow appeared normal to her.
When Kathlyn graduated from Benton High School, she married J.W. Reed, moved back to Michigan for J.W. to work in an automotive plant and had a daughter Mitzie. Shortly after Mitzie was born, J.W. died of kidney failure. Facing another significant hardship in life, her love of family grew even stronger. Kathlyn’s family and friends stepped up to help her and Mitzie during this very hard time.
Kathlyn then married Gerald Whetsell. They lived in Benton, Kentucky where he worked for Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Kathlyn and Gerald had two children Jana and Jon. She spent her entire life loving her family and friends. When you think of Kathlyn, you think of love-not a bad way to be remembered.
Kathlyn is survived by her daughter Jana (John) Hever, her son Jon Whetsell, her brother Paul (Barbara) Jones, her five grandchildren Amanda (Jarred) Hack, Katelyn (Roddy) Frost, Kara Hever, Emily Hever, Calab Hever and her three great grandchildren Annsley, Kylee and Silas Hack. Kathlyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her daughter Mitzie Parks.
Kathlyn would prefer memorials or flowers to go to the nonprofit of your choice.
A service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr Funeral Homes in Benton, Kentucky with visitation prior, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m..
To leave a Hug From Home or send flowers to the family of Ms. Whetsell, you can visit our website at www.filbeckandcann.com.