Betsy Clay McClain, passed away at age 75 on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center of Mercy Health in Paducah, Kentucky.
Born on July 24, 1949, in Murray, Kentucky, Betsy was the daughter of the late, Dr. George Clay “Happy” McClain and Constance “Connie” Jones McClain. She graduated from Benton High School in the class of 1967 where her signature wit caused her to be recognized with the Class Clown senior superlative. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in textiles from the University of Kentucky and carried her creative flair and sharp business acumen into a successful career path in retail. She was the owner of Betsy’s Hallmark Shop, a fixture in the Marshall County community from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s. Through the shop she met countless lifelong friends.
A woman with many interests, Betsy loved horses and began riding and showing American Saddlebreds as a teenager, continuing this into adulthood. She enjoyed following the industry well beyond her own years as a rider. She also loved many dogs and cats throughout her years, most recently her Scottish Terrier, Binx. She was an active member of her bridge group for over half a century, never hesitating to mention that while she may have never mastered scorekeeping, her favorite part of the game was spending time with her friends.
A proud and lifelong member of the United Methodist faith, Betsy lived her belief in love and service to others. She valued supporting local businesses and organizations, served for years on the Marshall County Fair Board, was active with the Kentucky Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and after her retirement enjoyed volunteering at the St. Nicholas Clinic in Paducah and the New to You Shop in Benton. She enjoyed travel and culture and had many grand adventures exploring the world and attending plays and musicals with her friends and family. A talented seamstress, Betsy also found joy in aesthetic expression through her own hands. She loved to cook, blessing friends and family with food any time she had the opportunity.
Betsy’s favorite role was “Gran”, and she devoted much time and attention to her two grandchildren. She leaves them with wonderful memories of time spent with her working on crafts, cooking, riding horses, and practicing their driving (possibly before permits were obtained). She faithfully attended their musical and theatrical performances, soccer games, and other special events, often bringing friends along with her.
She is survived by her daughter, Whitney Cassity-Caywood (John) of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Aiden and Fiona Caywood; first cousin, Frances Woodring (David) of Sturgis; two beloved caregivers, Terry Burnett of Smithland and Angela Johnson of Draffenville and many other members of her extended and chosen family.
Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025, with Rev. Susan Carrigan officiating. Entombment will follow in Benton City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Betsy’s memory to the Marshall County Exceptional Center, P.O. Box 423, Benton, KY 42025, or online at www.m-c-e-c.org/information, Child Watch Counseling & Advocacy Center, Inc., 1118 Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY 42001, or online at www.childwatchcac.org, or the Humane Society of Marshall County, 6301 US Highway 68 East, Benton, KY 42025.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.filbeckandcann.com.