Bettye B. Cortner, age 89, of Cerulean, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Ridgewood Terrace Nursing Home in Madisonville, Kentucky.
She was born on March 14, 1936, in Cerulean, to Nuell Cortner and Maybelle Brashears Cortner, who preceded her in death.
After graduating from high school, Bettye began her career at Hopkinsville Stone as a secretary and bookkeeper on Monday morning, following her graduation on Friday evening. She remained with the company for an impressive 49 years, through two ownership changes as it transitioned from Kentucky Stone to Rogers Group, before she finally retired.
Bettye was a longtime member of Cerulean Baptist Church. She found joy in her work and took great pride in caring for her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Jerry Cortner and Billy Joe Cortner.
She is survived by her brother, David Cortner, of Cerulean; her sisters, Peggy Cain, of Cadiz, Kentucky, and Carolyn Cortner, of Louisville, Kentucky.
Graveside services will be at Cerulean Cemetery, Church Street in Cerulean, at 12:00 PM, Monday, January 12, 2026, with Bro. Russ Thomas officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, 138 Main Street in Cadiz.
