Lula E. Botkin

Lula Evelene Botkin, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community, was born on September 6, 1929, in Jacksboro, TN. She peacefully departed from this world surrounded by her family on September 26, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy defined by her devotion to family, faith, and the values she imparted to those she loved.

Lula's early life was rooted in her education at Jacksboro High School, from which she graduated. After graduation she moved to Dayton, Ohio and she worked diligently at DESC until 1955, after which she chose the rewarding path of a homemaker to raise her family. Lula's quiet strength and dedication as a caretaker would shape the lives of her children forever.

Her life was a testament to the importance of family and care. Every Saturday night, she was lovingly devoted to bobby-pinning her daughters' hair for church on Sunday morning, fostering a sense of togetherness and tradition. Lula taught her children the vital lesson that one should always leave a place better than they found it—an habit she embraced in every aspect of her life and embodied as she returned home to the Lord.

As a devout Christian, she nurtured her faith and imparted it to her children, instilling in them a deep sense of morality and kindness. Lula and her sister Lilly were one of the founding members of Dayton Baptist Temple now Cornerstone Baptist Temple.  They even babysat Pastor Fleming children as they were developing the Church. Her passions for gardening and yardwork reflected her love for nature, while her role as a Girl Scout leader demonstrated her commitment to empowering young girls in her community. Lula found joy in decorating the graves of her loved ones who passed before her, a testament to her enduring love and respect for family.

Lula is survived by her devoted children, Jim (Fran) Botkin, Kathy Botkin, Karen Miller, and Patty Breig. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, Christina (Ryan) Barrett, Debbie (Bryan) Buffington, and Jessica (Tobin) Perrill, as well as her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Amacker, Annabeth Barrett, Ember Buffington, Theo Perrill, Ellie Perrill, and Oliver Perrill. They were the proudest accomplishments of her life, and her love for them knew no bounds.

She is now reunited with her beloved husband, William C. Botkin, her parents, Martha and Isaac Lovely, her stepdaughter, Connie Walker, her son-in-law, Dan Breig, and her grandchildren, James Michael Botkin and Laura Beth Botkin. She also joins her siblings, Lillie Earnhart, Henry Lovely, Viola Gentry, Ada Kitts, and Edra Farrish in eternal rest.

Lula's visitation will be held on October 2, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home in Beavercreek, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, allowing all who knew and loved her to come together in remembrance and gratitude for her beautiful life.

Please consider a donation in Lula's memory to Cornerstone Baptist Temple. 

In her passing, Lula Evelene Botkin leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She truly left the world better than she found it.