Betty “Lou” Davis, 84 of Walkerton, Indiana passed away at 12:51 am Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by her family in her residence.
On August 31, 1939, Lou was born in Champaign, Illinois to Frank and Irene (Wilson) Blaisdell. She was united in marriage to John Davis on June 1, 1963, in Walkerton, who survives. John and Lou met while attending a basketball game in the Tyner Gymnasium.
Lou was a graduate of Tyner High School, Class of 1957. She attended Indiana University South Bend and then worked for The Francis Shoppe, South Bend for several years in the accounts payable dept. She then worked as the Secretary of the Superintendent of John Glenn Community School System for over 30 years.
She was an avid collector of many things, and she loved antique cars, visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania and traveling to new places around the country. She was a member of the Marshall County Historical Society Museum, where she and John ran the trains in the train room for the past 15 years. She loved decorating for the various holidays, at the museum, and enjoyed spending time with the children. She bought toys and instruments for the children that would come to visit, so they could play and be entertained. They also provided a replica of the Lincoln memorial train, the slot car track, and a screen to show videos of the many types of trains that were seen running across the U.S throughout the years. Lou was also a 4-H leader in entomology (the study of insects) and she was an insect judging team leader. But most of all, Lou enjoyed the magical world of Disney and all it had to offer, allowing her imagination to be fully expressed.
Lou is also survived by her two children, Todd Davis, Walkerton, and Marie (Dr. Mark) Metz, Fredericksburg, Virginia; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Mullett, Paxton, Illinois, Ryan Mullett, Paxton, Illinois, Nate Mullett and Sydney Trover, Champaign, Illinois and Nick (Genta) Mullett, Towanda, Illinois. Lou is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Fred, C.J., Aiden, Jonathan, Adrianna, Finn, Jaxton and two siblings, Dr. Bill (Leanell) Blaisdell, Seymour and Donna (Jerry) Purcell, Smyrna Delaware, as well as many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Irene Blaisdell and her sister, Margaret Sue Blaisdell.
A celebration of life honoring Lou’s life will be determined at a later date. Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to provide a memorial stone, honoring Lou’s life, to be placed at the family pond.
Lana Shafer says
I loved working with Lou in the train room at the museum. She was so loving and generous to everyone that come in there. My deepest sympathy to the family and her friends.
JEFF Jones says
Lou was a wonderful lady who I first met through the John Glenn School Corporation in 1978 while she was the superintendent’s secretary. She was a delight to know and would continue to keep me updated in later years when she stopped into Anco with updates on her travels, and antique car and train room adventures with John . A nice couple who have served their community well over the years.
My sincerest condolences to John and families, Lou’s memories of kindness and love of family will endure .
Anita Kopetski says
I love Lou. She was an unselfish, giving, enthusiastic. outgoing person. She never met a child she didn’t love. She and John did so much for so many people, including me. There are many, many people who come to the museum whose memories of the train room are all connected with her. Lou knew I love chocolate, and not a week passed that she didn’t have a candy bar for me. If I didn’t come up, she came down and brought it to me. She was one of the most loving people. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Lou and John. Lou was greatly loved. I loved her very much.
Ren Van Gilder says
Lou touched the lives of many, through her dedication, to the museum.
We send you our sincere thoughts.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Linda Rippy says
Lou was in her element when working with children. She spent years planning special events in the train room at the Marshall County Museum and will be missed by many.
William Killian says
Lou – one of my favorite classmates at THS, and we shared birthday cards over the years – my regret is that I didn’t get to know her family. As I read about them in her obituary I was glad that they had the love and support that Lou and John gave them. I always considered Lou as a friend. Rev. William Killian, Tucson.
Maxine F Whiteman says
Lou “gave” me her job at the Frances Shop. I always thought it still “belonged” to her. She was a gracious lady and will be missed. Maxine and Tom Whiteman