INDIANAPOLIS — Betty Cockrum, who led Planned Parenthood in Indiana and Kentucky, has died at the age of 67.
Cockrum's family said in a release she passed away over the weekend.
“Betty Cockrum was so many things to so many people,” Cockrum's sons said in a release. “Countless lives touched, careers built, families supported, jobs created, storms weathered and mountains moved. While she was busy changing the world for the better, for us, she was just ‘Mom.’”
She served as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood for 15 years, leading the organization through several mergers that finally resulted in the current Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky.
"Betty was unwavering in her commitment to reproductive rights, was a trailblazer, and a proven leader to all people across Indiana and Kentucky. She was a true force of nature as she championed abortion access for decades, and her leadership continued even after she retired from Planned Parenthood," Planned Parenthood said in a statement.
She retired in 2017.
Before taking over Planned Parenthood, Cockrum served as the state budget director under former Gov. Frank O'Bannon. Prior to that position, she worked in the Bloomington city government.
Born near Walcottville in LaGrange County, Cockrum attended Ball State University, then earned her bachelor's degree from IUPUI in 2006.
Her family asks that donations be made to The Julian Center in her honor. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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