Dorothy Lukenbill
June 20, 1942 – Sept. 25, 2025
Dorothy Rose Bettis Lukenbill passed away peacefully on Sept. 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 graduate of Indiana University, Dot began her career in market research at Procter & Gamble before discovering her calling as a middle school teacher. Her teaching career spanned Ohio, Indiana and Texas.
Dot directed a memorable production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown that earned a 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.
She is survived by her husband Keith; sister Sara (Tom) Janson; 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.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Morton, IN with lunch provided afterwords.
