New Albany, Indiana - Elizabeth L. "Bette" Wheatley, 84, of New Albany, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, Indiana. She was born July 8, 1941, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, to James "Bud" Lowry and Bertha "Chris" (Christian) Lowry.

Bette graduated from New Albany High School in 1959. On November 17, 1962, she married Donald L. Wheatley at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Albany. Together they shared 55 years of marriage before his passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Susan Kay Hofelich; and her beloved husband, Donald.

Bette is lovingly remembered by her four children and their families: Mary (Steven) Roberds of Silver Spring, Maryland; Deborah (Kevin) Miles of Louisville, Kentucky; Donald (Sue) Wheatley, Jr. of Salem, Indiana; and Daniel (Melissa) Wheatley of Palmyra, Indiana. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren — Tony, Chris, Nikki, Megan, Meredith, Ben, Shelby, Lizzie, Austin, Alex, Justin, Kaylee, and Tucker — along with their spouses and partners, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren. Her memory is also treasured by her brother-in-law, Tom Hofelich of Milltown, Indiana; her nephew, Tommy Hofelich of New Albany; and devoted sister-in-law, Rose Marie Wilbert, of New Albany, Indiana.

Bette devoted herself to her family as a homemaker, raising four children with creativity, resourcefulness, and a remarkable ability to stretch every dollar. After her children were grown, she worked in administrative roles before becoming a pharmacy technician and later working in a hospital library. She was gifted with both fabric and yarn crafts and was an exceptionally talented painter, especially on the wood pieces handcrafted by her late husband.

Her creativity, warmth, and dedication to her family will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial gathering will be held Tuesday, May 26th, 10:00am to 5:00pm, with a celebration of life service to follow at 5:00pm, at Newcomer, Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN, 47150.