Betty M. (Pratt) Lawton

Betty M. Lawton Greenfield – Betty M. (Pratt) Grant, Barrett, Lawton, 86, died peacefully at her home in Greenfield after a long illness on November 11, 2012.      She was born in Athol, Massachusetts, February 9, 1926, the daughter of Anson and Marion (Penniman) Pratt.  Her very young years were spent in Orange, moving to Gardner when she was 15 and graduating from Gardner High School in 1943.      Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband Norman B. Lawton October 11, 1988.  She lost her only child a son, Kerry S. Grant on July 8, 2004.  Betty was also predeceased by a sister, Geraldine Strong  in 2008 and a dear friend, Joseph E. Hachey in 2005.      Betty is survived by a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Grant of Wilton, NH; two granddaughters, Cindy Mundy of Deering, NH and Lori Markaverich of Wilton, NH; three great granddaughters and one great grandson.    She is also survived by three step sons, David Lawton of CA, Gary Lawton of Templeton and Roger Lawton of Orange; Two step daughters, Carol Nichols of Athol and Dawn Richards of TN; many step grandchildren and many step great grandchildren.  She leaves two sisters, Joyce Lawton of Athol and Shirley Recos of Phillipston; two brother-in-law’s, Allie Strong of Athol and Elwyn Lawton of Orange; many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Marlene Lawton..      Betty worked at the L.S. Starrett Company for 33 years, retiring in July of 1981.  She was a member of the 25-year Club.   She attended the Athol Congregational Church and worked on numerous church fairs.        Betty had many hobbies, her most favorite being reading and gardening.  She loved the ocean, she and Norman owned a home in Penobscott, ME where they enjoyed many summers.  She loved to knit and made many beautiful sweaters for her family.  She also made and donated many articles for the Mitten Christmas tree.  Another hobby was making jigsaw puzzles with her friend June.  Every evening the two of them would spend hours putting these incredibly hard puzzles together.  Betty also loved taking trips on Wilson Bus Tours with her sister Shirley.   They had a lot of happy and fun memories.      A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Prestwood-Taylor, officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.  Burial will be at Silver Lake Cemetery following the reception.  At Betty’s request, there are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to: The Athol Congregational Church, “Memory Garden”, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol, MA  01331. For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.   $(document).ready(function(){ });