On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Betty Jo Lemaster passed from this earth to her new home prepared by her Heavenly father. She was 71.
Born in Coeburn, VA on September 15, 1953, Betty was the fourth of seven children born to Rev. Raymond S. and Beatrice J. (Nixon) Powers. She was a 1971 graduate of Crestview Local High School where she was a member of the band and thoroughly enjoyed playing the trumpet. On April 28, 1973, Betty married Larry Lemaster, her high school sweetheart, and together they raised their three children. Betty worked a variety of jobs including factory work, waitressing, and office administration positions. However, her heart was in the field of mental health. She started at the Ashland County Mental Health and Recovery Board, moved to The Center, and retired from Indigo Counseling Services.
Betty was a member of Crossroads Church. She faithfully served there until limited by her illness. Before attending Crossroads, she served at First Baptist Church of Ashland and Stiving Road Freewill Baptist Church. Between the three, she acquired a large extended family of believers who love her.
Betty had a gift with words. From messages of love and encouragement to poems and songs, she had even published three books. She didn’t know a stranger and could hold a conversation with about anyone. However, her real gift was love, especially for her family and many precious friends. She put others above herself, making everyone feel special. Most of all, Betty loved Jesus and placed her faith and trust in Him at a young age letting Him shine through her.
Betty is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry Lemaster; children: Celena Gwyn (Dave) Yoxtheimer, Kelly Hoover, and Daniel (Lydia) Lemaster; grandchildren: Samuel Sharick, Benjamin Sharick, Joel Yoxtheimer, Elise Yoxtheimer, Louis Lemaster and Linnea Lemaster; siblings: Emma Vaughn, James (Kathy) Powers, Debbie (David) Lazorski, Nathaniel (Irma) Powers, and Mona (Mike) Gray; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her in-laws: Earl and Wanda Lemaster; brother: Ronald (Gloria) Powers; and brothers in-law: Gary Vaughn, Mike (Pilar) Lemaster, and Malvon Lemaster.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Crossroads Church- Mansfield Campus, 1188 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH 44903 where funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:30 am. Pastor Chris Standridge will officiate the services with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Care for Betty and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.
Condolences may be made on Betty’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).