Mrs. Betty Lutz Bowling passed away on Thursday July 16, 2026.

Born in Shelby on September 25, 1928, she was the daughter of John Ray Lutz and Lilly Hoyle Lutz.

Betty (or Bow, as called by her grandchildren) was a graduate of Shelby High School in 1945. She furthered her education and graduated from Peace College and Meredith College in Raleigh N.C. in 1949. For several years she taught school at the Junior and Senior High levels.

She and her husband, Dr. Richard F. Bowling (Dick) lived in Winston-Salem, N.C.; New Orleans, L.A.; Topeka Kansas; and Asheville, N.C. while he was completing his education. In 1961, Betty and Dick moved to Shelby to raise their three children.

Betty became a homemaker and engaged in her church and community. She loved working with the Junior High Youth, even though she stated it was quite a challenge to be "peppy" enough to keep up with them. Betty loved music and chose to make her joyful noise with the Handbell Choir, served as a deacon and various other areas in her church. In 1984, she helped organize and serve for years in "The Soup Lunch" at Shelby Presbyterian Church, which continues today. Betty was a member of the Junior Charity League where she helpedorganize the Clothing Room Outreach. She volunteered with Hospice Cleveland County and with Mental Health in Cleveland County.

Over the years, she and Dick enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking, playing duplicate bridge, golf, and tennis. Betty had a caring and generous heart that never met a stranger nor walked away from a need. Her Christian service extended beyond the church. Betty (Bow) left an imprint on all of us.

She is survived by her brother Jack Lutz, and sister-in law Sue Lutz, three children, Karen Bowling Bridges, Kathryn Bowling Bridges and husband Don, Richard Franklin Bowling II and wife Susan; nine grandchildren; Rachel Hamrick (Phillip), Michael Smith, Jonathan Bridges (Farah), Kate Bridges (Ashley), Forest Bridges, Tripp Bowling (Lynn), Julian Bowling (Victoria), Webb Bowling, and Holt Bowling and ten great-grandchildren; Scarlet, Salem, Aiden, Andrew, Layla, James, Wilde, Joey, Ulysses, and Thomas.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents John Ray and Lilly Lutz, three brothers; Robert Lutz (Betty), Ray-Webb Lutz (Carolyn), Bill Lutz, and sister-in law Violet Lutz;paternal grandparents; William Cicero and Theodosia Jane Webb Lutz, and maternal grandparents; Henry and Margaret Amplice Buff Hoyle.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Shelby Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at 2:00PM. Rev. Drew Mangione and Rev. Dr. Rick Bowling will be officiating the service. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, Shelby Presbyterian Church, or Westview Baptist Church.

The family welcomes online condolences at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bowling family.