Elizabeth 'Betty' Loehle, 90: Co-founder of Buckhead's Artists Associates gallery

Elizabeth "Betty" Barnes Loehle, 90, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013.

She was born March 21, 1923, to Elizabeth and Harry Barnes in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended Auburn University for two years, beginning the first year that women were admitted as students. She then moved to Nashville and completed studies at the Harris School of Art, where she met Richard Loehle, her husband of 64 years. After their marriage they moved to Chicago and began careers as artists, Richard as an illustrator and Betty as a graphic designer and painter.

In 1967 they moved the family to Decatur, GA and Betty continued a prolific career as a talented painter. Many of her colorful landscapes, florals and abstracts were purchased for banks, offices and airports as well as private homes. She was a co-founder and part owner of Artists Associates gallery in Buckhead for 30 years. Betty was a member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, the Alabama Watercolor Society, and the National Watercolor Society, and she won numerous awards for her work.

Betty enjoyed water aerobics and swimming into her 80s, and was an avid bridge player until she was 89. She loved to read until she lost her sight to glaucoma and macular degeneration.

She is survived by her children Craig, Alan, Bruce and Lynn and six grandchildren, Sholeh, Gloria, Niki and Zack Loehle, and Evan and Ross Loehle-Conger. The family wishes to thank Montclair staff, Crossroads hospice staff and other caregivers for their kindness and professionalism.