Betty Knighten

After a life filled with love and service, Betty L. Knighten, age 91, of Sedalia passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 12, 2018 in her home.

She was born April 4, 1927 in Aurora, Missouri to Lyman B. and Elsie E. McNeely Smith. On April 25, 1943 in El Monte, California she married the love of her life Robert Franklin Knighten who sadly preceded her in death on July 2, 2009.

Her passion for bringing joy to life started early as a flag girl at Aurora Missouri High School and continued throughout her lifetime as she served as a Pastor’s wife caring and teaching friends and family along with Robert.  She found true joy in writing plays and pageants for churches and Home Mission Programs where Robert would work alongside her building props and sets that brought various stories and missions to life. She often commented that sharing and teaching about the Bible with others were some of the best times of her life.

In her last days, Betty spent her happiest times reading, gardening, and staying attuned to the latest political debates.  Anyone who knew Betty, frequently witnessed her impeccable sense of style and love for all things beautiful.  However, it was her family that brought her the greatest joy and she will forever be remembered for her strong matriarchal presence within the family and a grace that had no limits.

Betty is survived by three beautiful daughters, Susan Blancett of Sedalia, Linda Gilhuly and husband Al of Newport, Oregon, and Cheryl Ward and husband Richard of Sedalia; one brother, Bud Smith and wife Noma of Idaho; six grandchildren, Curtis D. Blancett, Jeffrey A. Blancett, Brent A. Butler, Robert F. Butler, Richard A. Ward, Jr., and Staci L. Brandt; five great grandchildren, Cassandra D., Eric Christopher, Hannah Elizabeth, Ty Franklin, and Tate Allen; three great great grandchildren; along with many other relatives, friends, and her church family.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover. Burial will be in the Stover Cemetery.

The family has arranged for a viewing and will start receiving friends at 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation®.

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