Betty Lou Lathrop (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Betty Lou Lathrop was born March 20, 1938 in Lebanon, Missouri to William O. and Gladys Hooper England. She entered eternal rest on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She was eighty-eight years and fourteen days of age.
Betty was born and raised in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School. Following graduation she went to work for Rice Stix, a garment factory in Lebanon. Throughout her career she also was employed at Reliable, H.D. Lee, Justice Furniture, Bishop Furniture, Lebanon R-3 Schools, was a bus driver for Gasconade Schools and spent eleven years at Marathon Electric. She made many friends at each place she worked and was a good and trusted employee.
On August 3, 1957, Betty married the love of her life, Richard Lathrop. Together they built a life rooted in their Christian faith with devotion to God, their family, and each other. They celebrated fifty-seven years of marriage before Richard passed away on April 17, 2014.
In addition to her loving husband, Richard, Betty is preceded in death by her parents, William and Gladys; an infant brother, Paul England; and her brother and sister-in-law, William C. England (Bill) and his wife Hazel.
She is survived by her son, Richard (Rick) D. Lathrop and his wife Sherry of Lebanon, Missouri; her daughter, Christina (Christy) L. Moberly and her husband Kenny of Rolla, Missouri; five grandchildren, Richard (Travis) Lathrop and his wife Tracy of Ellington, Missouri, Richelle L. Doublin of Imperial, Missouri, Kenneth (Bub) L. Moberly, II, (Erika) of Lebanon, Missouri, Liara C. Cook and her husband Nate of Rolla, Missouri, Colby Lathrop (Lauren) of Lebanon, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Colton and his wife Abbi, Ryan, Summer, Devan, Hanah, Jaxs, Chayse, Cade and Emma; her nephew Charles D. (Doug) England and his wife Diana of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; her church family and many friends.
Music was important to Betty throughout her life. While in school, she participated in band, orchestra, girl’s chorus and mixed chorus. Following her marriage to Richard, they sang with the New Life Quartet for forty-three years. She loved singing praises to God and also sang in a ladies trio for several years.
Betty was a faithful servant, having trusted in God when she was a child. She was a member of the Church of God, but had attended Crossroads Freewill Baptist Church for a number of years.
Betty was a very special lady and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She also liked knitting, fishing and talking on the phone. She loved singing gospel music and prayed for anything and anyone. She always put others above herself. She did volunteer work in her community and enjoyed socializing with her friends, and never met a stranger.
She cherished time with family and celebrated every accomplishment. She never missed making two separate Red Velvet cakes in celebration of her children’s birthdays. She never missed calling each family member on their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday” to them. When it came to her family, her love had no limits.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend whose kindness and encouraging, supportive nature was rooted firmly in her Christian faith. Her trust in Christ and love for Jesus grew throughout her life and was the distinguishing characteristic recognized by all who knew her.
A memorial to the Oakland Moravian Cemetery has been established and donations may be made at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?