Bettye Lee Mastin

Bettye Lee Mastin, 97, joined her parents and sisters in their heavenly home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.  She was born April 9, 1927 in Midway, Kentucky, to the late Winfield and Ruby Glass Mastin, one of their six girls.  Bettye Lee worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader for nearly 50 years as a writer and contributor to the Home Page section, where she focused her articles on local historical buildings.  She had been a long-time member of the Nicholasville Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for years.   Bettye Lee was extremely well-read—she was known to read up to 5 books per day, and she had an enormous personal library.  She even authored or co-authored chapters, articles, and books about pioneer history in Kentucky, including A Walking Tour of Shakertown and Lexington, 1779: Pioneer Kentucky, As Described by Early Settlers.  She loved plants and wildflowers and could name each of them in Latin.  Bettye Lee was also a world traveler—she had friends all over the world, including in Israel and in Holland, where she befriended a Duke and Duchess.  Bettye Lee was a woman who made the most of every opportunity.  She was known to always look “well put-together” and had a very reserved demeanor.  Bettye Lee leaves a lifetime of wonderful memories with several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, including Joe Yunker, wife Michelle Zuck, and their son James, and Linda Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five dear sisters:  Elexene Cox, Sara Gill, Juanita Burnside, Anita Underwood, and Wini Yunker.  Cremation was chosen, and no public services are scheduled.  Bettye Lee’s family will have a private scattering-of-ashes at Indian Falls in Jessamine County at a future date.  “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”  Hager & Cundiff is privileged to serve Bettye Lee’s family.