Elizabeth "Betty" Coombs Jagoe

Elizabeth “Betty” Coombs Jagoe, 88, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on March 22nd, under the care of Hospice Palliative Care.

Born in Owensboro on September 1, 1937, Betty was the daughter of the late Joseph Frank Coombs and Martha Sosh Coombs. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, William R. Jagoe III, with whom she shared a remarkable love story that remains a lasting legacy for their family. Their marriage was a true partnership, built on faith, devotion, and enduring love, admired by all who knew them and sought to emulate.

Betty graduated from Owensboro Senior High School in 1955 and earned her associate degree from Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1957.

Her life was deeply rooted in faith. As a charter member of Century Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Betty served faithfully in many roles, including elder, Board Chairman, and Sunday School teacher. Her leadership extended far beyond her home congregation as she served as Moderator for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) West Area, Vice Moderator and Moderator for the Christian Church of Kentucky (Disciples of Christ), and as a member of the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Betty’s faith was unwavering, guiding every aspect of her life and inspiring all who knew her.

Family was the center of Betty’s world. She was fiercely devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them through life’s challenges, and loving them unconditionally. Her family will forever remember her warmth, wisdom, and the joy she brought to every gathering.

Betty also had a deep love for her community and believed strongly in leaving it better than she found it. She was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Junior League, Impact 100, and the Girl Scouts for 8 years as a Girl Scout leader. She served as president of the Women’s Guild, president of the Younger Women’s Club, and worked on the Kentucky State International Affairs Committee for the Kentucky Federated Clubs.

True to her nature, Betty never simply joined an organization; she became a leader. Whether chairing the Owensboro–Daviess County American Revolution Bicentennial celebration from 1974 to 1976, serving as a director, fundraiser, and docent for the Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History, or volunteering at the Wendell Foster Home, Betty was a force for good whose leadership helped shape the community she loved.

Beyond the titles and accomplishments, Betty was known for her generous spirit and lively personality. She had a quick wit, a contagious laugh, and a smile that could brighten any room. She quietly helped countless people over the years, often in ways that went unnoticed. Her kindness was sincere and constant, given freely without expectation of recognition.

Betty is survived by her brother, William Joseph Coombs, and his wife, Christiana, of Hilton Head, South Carolina.

She is also survived by her children: Jenny Jagoe; William Jagoe IV and his wife Melissa; Scott Jagoe and his wife Jeanna, all of Owensboro; and Karen Smelser and her husband Andrew of Catron, Missouri.

Her grandchildren include Courtney Winders (Kristopher), Eric Sears (Jeni Poell), Holly Sears (Stephen Arnold), Megan Bosse (Dr. Walt), Craig Millay, Rush Jagoe (Rivka Paul), Hadley Jagoe, Louise Young (Bradley), Dr. Woodson Smelser (Dr. Katelyn), Sara Williams (Corey), Lindsey Jagoe (Brent Vorst), Alexander Jagoe (Alexandra), Micah Ruiz (Jacob), and Taylor Thompson (Jesse).

She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Tyler and Eli Winders; Ada and Nalin Poell; Annalei and Presley Jo Millay; August and Franklin Bosse; Audrey, Esther, Norah, and Amos Adcock Jagoe; Amelia and Elizabeth Arnold; Brady and Elizabeth Young; Caroline, Vivian, and Genevieve Smelser; Callahan Williams; Oliver, Penelope, and James Jagoe-Vorst; Jack and Thomas Jagoe; Olivia Ruiz; and John Thompson.

Visitation will be held at Glenn Funeral Home from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, March 29th. Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church, 700 J.R. Miller Boulevard, on Monday, March 30th at 12pm with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided Betty with such loving care. They truly were our angels on earth.

In place of flowers, friends who wish to honor Betty’s memory may make contributions to First Christian Church, Hospice of Western Kentucky, or the Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History.

Betty’s life was defined by faith, love, generosity, and service. She leaves behind not only a remarkable family but also a stronger, better community because of her presence. Her spirit, her laughter, and her example of compassion and leadership will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.