Betty McConkey Lawther

Mrs. Betty McConkey Lawther, 85, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at her home in Bermuda Run, NC. Betty was born in Alma, Michigan on December 19, 1938, to the late John William and Dorothy Harrod McConkey. She raised 4 children in the Forest Hills area of Grand Rapids. 

Betty was an avid gardener and received her Master Gardener designation from Michigan State University. She volunteered at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids Michigan. Betty was recognized for volunteering for 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, and a great-grandson.

A graveside service will be held at the Ithaca Cemetery on June 14, 2025 at 11:00, where Betty’s ashes will be laid to rest. The family welcome friends and family at the service and immediately following at the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Research