Bettye Ruth Kash

Bettye Ruth Kash, a beacon of creativity and joy, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, in Cookeville, TN. Born on July 19, 1935, in Greenbrier, TN, to the late Bennie and Vetrice Fryer Choate. Bettye's life was a symphony of love, laughter, and the pursuit of knowledge, which she generously shared with everyone around her.

Bettye's early years in Greenbrier laid the foundation for a life rich in education and the arts. Her academic journey led her to Belmont University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in music, igniting a lifelong passion for the arts. She furthered her education at Tennessee Technological University, where she obtained a Master's degree in English, and later, she achieved a PhD in theater from Indiana University. These accomplishments were a testament to her dedication to learning and her desire to inspire others.

In 1970, Bettye married the love of her life, Graham Kash, in Nashville, TN. Their partnership was a harmonious blend of support and mutual admiration, and together they raised two daughters, Heather (Mike) Batchelor of Madison, AL, and Holly (Aaron) Schauer of Portland, OR. Bettye was a cherished sister to Bennie Mac Choate of Gallatin and a proud grandmother to four grandsons, Brett, Blake, Matthew, and David, who brought immense joy to her life.

Bettye's professional life was marked by her tenure as a Professor of Speech and Theater at Tennessee Tech, where she influenced countless students with her wisdom and wit. In addition to her professorship, she was a dedicated music educator for over 20 years at various area schools, nurturing the talents and dreams of young musicians. Her commitment to education and the arts was unwavering, and her impact on her students was profound and lasting. An adventurous trailblazer before her time, she worked with the Army Special Services in Germany. She also drove solo across the USA to try her hand at acting in California. For her doctoral research on outdoor dramas, she, her daughters, and her niece spent the summer traveling across the eastern US in a camper. She and her family also spent a year in Bordeaux, France while her husband taught on a Fulbright scholarship.

Her involvement in the community was equally significant. Bettye was a devoted member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church, where her faith and fellowship were cornerstones of her life. She was also an enthusiastic participant in community theater, where she both directed and acted in numerous productions. Her love for speech and debate led her to mentor many young speakers, and she found great pleasure in attending folk festivals, where she could indulge in the music that so deeply resonated with her soul.

Bettye's talents extended to playing the autoharp, an instrument she mastered with grace and which became a signature of her musical identity. Her performances were not only a display of her musical prowess but also an expression of her love for sharing the beauty of music with others.

Those who knew Bettye will remember her as a loving, creative, and funny individual. Her laughter was infectious, her creativity boundless, and her love for her family and friends knew no limits. She had the rare ability to light up a room with her presence and to make each person feel valued and heard.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Don Choate. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving husband, daughters, brother, grandsons, and the countless lives she touched through her teaching and her art.

Bettye Ruth Kash lived a life that was as melodious and inspiring as the music she so adored. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. As the final curtain falls on her remarkable life's journey, we celebrate the profound impact she had on the world and the indelible mark she has left on the tapestry of our lives.

Private Graveside Services for Mrs. Kash will be Friday, March 22, 2024 at Cookeville City Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Conrad officiating. A larger Ceremony of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested at the future speech and theater endowment at TN Tech. Details to follow as soon as available.

You may share memories by visiting www.hhhfunerals.com. The Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner is in charge of arrangements 931-526-6111