Betty C. LaythamBetty Clarice Laytham, 82 years of age, passed away to her heavenly home on Monday, February 6, 2017, in Springfield, MO. She was born on October 17, 1934, to Pete Earl and Mattie Morene (Foster) Desgranges in Tallapoosa, MO. Betty attended and graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High School, Poplar Bluff, MO. Betty was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Gene Laytham, whom she met while they both lived in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and attended First Baptist Church while singing in the choir together. They celebrated 61 years of marriage. To this union, two daughters were born: Jennifer L Swank and Sandra J Collins. Betty and Gene made their home in St. Louis, raising their two daughters, then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, for two years when Gene's work transferred him, then the couple retired in Springfield, MO, in 1988. Betty was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Springfield, MO, for many years and taught Sunday School. Betty taught ESL through Sherwood Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO. She was also a member of the Christian Women's Club. In her younger years, Betty enjoyed playing tennis, softball, and bowling, and keeping active with water aerobics. She later enjoyed reading, playing Yahtzee, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Betty was a volunteer for over 25 years at the Ronald McDonald House. Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Gene; daughters: Jennifer "Jeni" Swank and her husband, Keith, and Sandy Collins; grandchildren: Matthew (Amy) Zadeh, Kelly (Josh) Wilkes, Laura Swank, Anne-Marie Swank; great-grandchildren: Corbin, Max and Alice; two brothers: Roger (Jan) Desgranges, Marty (Rhonda) Desgranges; one sister, Jody (Bill) Millikan She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pat (John) Garrett, and sister Dorothy (Gene) Whitmer. Visitation will be on Saturday, February 11, 2017, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. Chapel, at 2001 W Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, MO. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM. Burial will be on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Springfield, MO.