MOUNT VERNON — Betty Lou Gowler, 96, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 2:50 pm June 12, 2023, at Green Tree Assisted Living in Mount Vernon. She was born December 16, 1926, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Forest Clifton and Lottie (Russell) McKitrick.

Betty married Carl Lane and he preceded her in death. She later married James Thornhill and he preceded her in death. Betty then married Howard Wayne Gowler on September 4, 2004, at Logan Street Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 2020.

Betty is survived by her nieces, Brenda Hulbert York of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Judy Cole and husband, Richard of Walnut Hill, Illinois; special friends, Debbie Terry, Karen Morgan, and Linda Waller; and beloved dog, Lucy Lou.

In addition to her parents and three husbands, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Ryan Lane; daughter, Carla; sister, Verna Outland; niece, Melissa Outland; and granddaughter.

Betty worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia, Illinois. She was a member of Logan Street Baptist Church, a former member of Ladies of the Elks in Centralia, and a Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church in Centralia. Betty loved all animals.

A Visitation will be held Friday, June 16, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will at 1:00 pm with Brother Alan Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Betty’s honor to Logan Street Baptist Church Building Fund or ASPCA.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.