Bettie J. Kohler

Bettie Jean Kohler, née Sturgeon, passed on June 23, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio at the age of 95. Born September 12, 1930, in Brandenburg, Kentucky, Bettie spent a lifetime characterized by kindness, grace, and a deep dedication to her family and community.

Growing up on a farm instilled in her a strong sense of values that would guide her throughout her life. On September 19,1949 she married her best friend, Jack Kohler, in Guston, Kentucky. Together they created a loving home and set an enduring example of partnership and commitment.

Professionally, Bettie found her calling as a dental assistant; a role in which she earned widespread respect. She approached her career with the same warmth and attention that defined so much of her life.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bettie took great joy in her personal pursuits. Early on, she was a champion tennis player in her neighborhood. In her thirties, she embraced the challenge of learning to snow ski and she continued to play golf until the age of 92 – all reflecting her adventurous nature and lifelong enthusiasm for new experiences. Never idle, she was always reading, knitting or gardening.

Bettie’s greatest legacy is her family. She and Jack raised their 6 children to be independent, well-rounded and empathetic individuals. Bettie expressed immense pride in her family and considered them to be her proudest accomplishment.

She will be remembered for her warmth, class and sense of style. Her approachability – whether at a gala, a neighborhood function, or the checkout line at Kroger! - coupled with a combination of grace and inner poise, endeared her to all. A faithful Christian, Bettie lived her beliefs through kindness, generosity, and an unwavering faith in God. She was a loyal and devoted friend whose friendships span decades and generations.

Bettie is survived by her loving children: Melody (Mike) Zrelak, Mary-Lynne McKee (Bob Werther), Monica Kohler, Mauri Sutter, Mindy (John) Hatfield, and Jack Kohler. She is also mourned by her 20 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of tremendous joy to her. Her sister, Marian Miller, continues to cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack V. Kohler; her parents, Henry and Lovie (nee Watkins) Sturgeon; her siblings JD Sturgeon, Jack Sturgeon, and Audra Triplett; and her son-in-law, Jim Sutter.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. Family and friends will be invited to a light reception immediately after the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to: Cincinnati Public Library or to Disabled American Veterans.