Ms. Betty Lou Kulisek, 81, of Barbourville, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 at Baptist Health Corbin, feeling the love of the family she cherished so deeply. She was born October 17, 1944 in Barbourville, the daughter of the late Raymond and Thelma Hubbs Engle.
Betty spent many years in Chicago raising her two children, before returning back home to Kentucky to be near her brothers and sisters. For several years she worked with her family at Hillbilly’s Country Cooking and later at Lee’s in Barbourville. She lived life in her own unique way and found joy in the simple things. She loved a hot cup of coffee, a cigarette in hand and trying her luck at the poker machines. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh so contagious it often pulled everyone around her right in with her.
Betty loved gardening. She enjoyed flowers and took great pride in caring for them.
More than anything, Betty loved her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world and she treasured every moment spent with them. Whether sharing stories, joking around, playing card games or simply sitting together, those times meant everything to her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Geneva Ann Gray; brothers, Tommy Joe, Jimmy Wayne “Bo” and Billy Lee Engle and a grandson-in-law, Gregory Hill.
Survivors include her loving children, Michelle Krystyniak and husband, Walter, of Chicago, IL and Michael Kulisek and wife, Jessica, of Barbourville; former spouse, Ronald Kulisek of Minnesota; a sister, Carolyn Engle of Barbourville; brothers, Tim Engle and wife, Angel, Eddie Engle and Larry Engle all of Barbourville; cherished grandchildren, Nicole Abraham and husband, David, Nina Hill, Danielle Krystyniak and fiancé, Michael Wolf, Amanda Krystyniak, Paige Kulisek and fiancé, Logan Lambo, and Michael Kulisek; great grandchildren, Ryan Hill, Abigail, Hannah, Claire and Liam Abraham and Dahlia Wolf; along with many other relatives and treasured friends.
Betty Lou will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her laughter, her love, and the many memories she leaves behind.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, March 13 at 7 P.M. with Rev. James Hubbs officiating. Entombment will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, IL at a later date.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Friday after 5 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
