Betty Louise Spears Collier

Betty Louise Spears Collier, 86 of Flatwoods, entered into eternal rest on February 6, 2020 at Oakmont Manor following a brief time in hospice care, her granddaughter by her side.

Betty was born in Argillite to Hazel (Litteral) and Morgan Spears. She grew up a farmer’s daughter on Culp Creek where she was fond of her chickens and exploring caves. She attended Wurtland High School and graduated in 1950.

Betty had an independent and industrial spirit. From her time at a local sewing factory, to seeking work in Columbus, OH, to taking a position at the Sylvania plant in Huntington, she loved working. Later, she would care for the elderly before going to work for Walmart store #1426 in Ashland where she was a People Greeter for 27 years. It was at Walmart that she truly found a purpose and community. She loved handing out smiley face stickers, cooing at babies, and sharing a laugh with old friends.

Betty married Thurman Elwood “Woody” Collier on September 27, 1958 after a courtship following meeting at a dance. The pair had one daughter, Kimberly Lynn, in 1960. The family moved to California before returning to Flatwoods to care for family and build a contracting business.  She worked on many of Woody’s construction projects, could swing a hammer, and was excellent at painting houses. She was preceded in death by both Elwood and Kim. Betty is survived by one granddaughter, Natasha, of Lexington, for whom she attended many plays, concerts, and ceremonies, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The greenest thumb you’ll ever know, Betty absolutely loved working in her garden. She grew daisies, irises, coneflowers, and more. She loved adding unique rocks to her garden and once “repurposed” a large rock from a horse farm in Lexington which was acquired on one of the long Sunday drives that Kim, Betty, and Natasha would often take. When she wasn’t at work, Betty spent most of her time outdoors, enjoying local state parks and simply sitting on her front porch. She was known to relax with a cup of black coffee and a word search puzzle. She was also particularly good at miniature golf.

Her family wishes to thank the staff at Oakmont Manor and Community Hospice of Ashland for providing such wonderful care.

Betty will be truly missed by all who knew her. She was one of a kind and her legacy will live on in the memories of those whom she was able to bless with time spent together.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Community Hospice Care Center of Ashland. 

Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 at Siloam Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wed. Feb 12 at Carman Funeral Home.