Dorothy Rose Bettis Lukenbill

June 20, 1942 - September 25, 2025

Dorothy Rose Bettis Lukenbill passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. She was born on June 20, 1942, to Rose and Wayne Bettis in Morton, Indiana. She married Keith Lukenbill on Feb. 2, 1982.

A proud graduate of Indiana University, Dot began her professional journey in market research at Procter & Gamble before discovering her true calling as a middle school teacher. Her teaching career spanned Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and back to Indiana again. She also served as a newspaper columnist and Dept. of Transportation public safety representative in Pennsylvania.

Dot directed a memorable production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown that earned a midnight performance slot at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She authored a book about a dog veterinarian and penned poetry. For years, she and Keith hosted an annual wiener roast where family and friends enjoyed the golf cart, hayrides, a bonfire and fishing ponds.

Her love for animals was profound-she was a devoted parent to countless dogs, a few cats, two goats, and two horses. She volunteered her time generously, providing pet therapy, supporting the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and caring for Union Chapel Cemetery.

From childhood road trips with her parents to cross-country adventures with friends, family, and her beloved husband Keith Lukenbill, she lived in and visited many places.

She is survived by her husband Keith; her sister Sara (Tom) Janson; her nieces, nephews and cousins Cheryl (Chris) Fahy, Dottie Janson, Mike (Carla) Janson, Phil (Sally) Janson, and Susan (Mike Cabat) Bettis; and her great-nieces, nephews and cousins Matt (Delanie) Fahy with children Leighton and Leni, Katie (Matt) Neick, Hannah Janson, Olivia (Kody) Jones with children Delilah and Dawson, Tyler Jackson, Jessica (Austin) Keen, Ashley Janson, Cathy Janson, Josie Janson, Max Janson and Ashley Lockwood with children Kai and Nate.

Dot's absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but her spirit will live on in family stories, every dog curled up at our feet, and the books we read.

A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on Oct. 25th at 11am at the Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Morton, IN with lunch provided afterwords. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Humane Society Indiana or the Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network.