Betty Lawther Obituary

Mrs. Betty Louise Lawther, 85, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at her home. She was born in Alma, Michigan on December 19, 1938, to the late John William and Dorothy Harrod McConkey. Betty was an avid gardener. She received her Master Gardener designation from Michigan State University. She volunteered at Meijer Botanical Gardens in Grand Rapids Michigan. She was recognized for volunteering over 8,000 hours in the Horticulture Department and was involved in the annual Butterfly Release Project. Preceding her in death was a son, John Scott Lawther and a sister, Harriet Peska. Surviving is her husband of 64 years, John Lawther; three daughters, Mary Lawther Thompson (Dale), Laura Lawther Hinson (Scott) and Nancy Lawther O’Neil (Jack); seven grandchildren, Hannah Hinson, Ryan Thompson (Kacie), Samantha Dixon (Preston), Peter Hinson, Elora O’Neil, Ben O’Neil, and Katelyn O’Neil; also surviving is a great-grandson, Baker Thompson. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Thursday, November 7th at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel with Rev. Troy Lesher-Thomas of Clemmons Presbyterian Church officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. There will be a graveside service where Betty’s ashes will be laid to rest in June 2025. Place: Ithaca Cemetery- Ithaca, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Research https://www.projectpurple.org