Mrs. Betty Jean (Clifton) Lucas, age 92, of Vevay, Indiana was born to the parents of, Raymond M. and Hester Melba (Wallick) Clifton on July 5, 1930 in Switzerland County, Indiana. She was raised in Posey and York townships and was a 1948 graduate of the Patriot High School. After graduation, Betty went to work at Schenley Distillery for about six months. After that, she ran a store in Quercus Grove for about six months. Betty began a job at Kroger in Rising Sun, Indiana, where she worked for seven years. Betty met her soon to be husband, James Charles “Jim” Lucas in 1949 and they were later united in marriage on April 21, 1951 in Switzerland County, Indiana. She and her husband operated an excavating and trucking business, as well as, a tobacco farm for several years. After the sudden death of her husband on May 17, 1988, Betty still raised 28 acres of tobacco for eight years. Betty began her career in county government in 1963, as deputy auditor for Paul Wiley until 1967. She worked as county registrar where she wrote her first grant to obtain a county sanitarian position for the Switzerland County Health Department. Betty not only worked for the Switzerland County Health Department since 1967 to 2020, she initiated it. Before Betty, there was no actual health department in Switzerland County until it became a law in January 1967. Betty helped guide with a committee that she served on to establish the health department in its current location since November 19, 2001. Betty worked for Health Officers, Dr. Noel Graves, Dr. Diego Valenzuela and Dr. Scott Frede. Betty wrote numerous grants over the years that resulted in between $1 million and $2 million for programming and other important health-related programs. In 1996, Betty worked tirelessly to write a grant to receive federal funds to establish the Switzerland County Nurse-Managed Clinic. Betty was one of two women recognized by “Speaking on Women’s Health” at Hanover College and was also recognized at the Indiana Rural Health Association for Volunteer for Southern Indiana in 1998. Her expertise with county budgets, tax levies and general knowledge of county government gained her respect from her peers. Betty loved helping people over the years whether it was to citizens that did not have funds for medication or to be seen by a doctor. Betty was always there to lend a hand. Betty was currently the manager of the Switzerland County Housing for Switzer Square Senior Apartments since 1975. Betty Lucas set a high standard for all county employees in her perseverance and love for this community. Betty was a member of the Democratic Party and the Vevay American Legion Post #185 Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ. Betty was also the bookkeeper for several township trustees over the years. Betty was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash of Indiana on November 21, 2004, the highest honor that a citizen in the state can receive. Betty loved collecting antique glassware and was a wonderful cook and baker. There was always a cake made and a pot of coffee on daily in her home. She took great pride in her home and lawn. Betty Lucas was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her hard work and dedication accomplished more than we will ever comprehend. She will be deeply missed by the Switzerland County community that she dedicated her life to serving others in the betterment of this community. Betty will also be remembered for her stylish appearance, her jewelry and her bouffant updo hair style that was never out of place. Betty passed away at 9:47 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Norton King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana.
Betty is survived by her caregiver of 35 years, Bill Gulley of Vevay, IN and her nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as, a host of many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Charles “Jim” Lucas, died May 17, 1988; her father, Raymond M. Clifton, died December 23, 1992; her mother, Hester Melba (Wallick) Clifton, September 10, 1994; her maternal-grandparents, Bernard Wallick, died January 18, 1951 and Edna P. (Dilts) Wallick, died October 5, 1932 and her paternal-grandparents, Eligah H. Clifton, died May 9, 1942 and Myrtle M. (Eaglin) Clifton, died June 22, 1977.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, by Rev. Mike Jones, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Health and Safety Fund c/o Community Foundation of Switzerland County. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com