Eleanor Bettis Burkhalter

Eleanor Bettis Burkhalter, age 96, of Louisville, Tennessee, departed this earthly realm for her heavenly home Monday, February 2, 2009, at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee. Eleanor was born June 15, 1912, in Humboldt, Tennessee, to the late Z.C. and Martha Bettis. She married the late Julian P. Burkhalter Dec. 26, 1937 in Trenton, TN. They made their home in Chattanooga for 42 years before her husband's death. She was a faithful member of the Red Bank Church of Christ for over 40 years. In 1991, she moved to Juneau, Alaska, to be close to her daughter and son-in-law. She very much loved the beauty of Alaska and made many friends there. She was a member of Glacier Valley Church of Christ where she was everyone's "grandmother". She relished playing the role, complete with costume, of Mrs. Santa Claus to the small children around Christmas time. She returned to Tennessee in 1999. At the time of her death, Eleanor was the oldest member of Maryville Church of Christ. An avid traveler, she had taken many exotic trips around the world. She enjoyed reading, gourmet cooking and was very involved in volunteer work in education an scouting during her younger years. She was also editor of her school newspaper. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters Annie Laurie Steele of Trenton, TN and Bessie Lee Mingle of Dyer, TN and one brother Julian D. Bettis of Trenton. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Andy King of Louisville, TN; nephews Wayne Steele and Alfred Bettis of Trenton; Jerry Steele and Mike Steele of Middle Tennessee. Also included are several nieces, nephews and extended family in Tennessee, Texas and California; special friends Linda Clark, Barry and Peggy Adkins and Roberta Walker; special caregivers Kathleen, Jean, Mary, Donna and Charlene. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Thursday February 5 at Smith Trinity Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 7 pm with Dan Chambers officiating. If desired, donations may be made to the Gideons. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eleanor Bettis Burkhalter please visit our Sympathy Store.