Betty Joyce Laur

Betty was born in Haiti, Missouri to John & Juanita on November 19th, 1930. She carried a fondness for her Southren birthplace & roots her entire life. At the age of 8, she moved to Michigan. Betty was renowned beauty. From her adolescence & into her forties she modeled for the Vogue, Maaz's, various fashion retailers & publications. She was a graduate of St. Matthews. In her twenties, Betty hired into Buick which lead her to E.D.S as an Education Coordinator. She retired in 1989. She taught Yoga for the Mott Foundation. Betty continued to practice Yoga & TM throughout her life.

Betty loved & enjoyed history, traveling, fashion, the arts, a great book, a good movie, good banter, a good laugh & especially a good time. She loved life & lived it to it's fullest, kicking her heels up whenever & wherever she could. Betty always had a story to tell & with her dry sense of humor & sharp wit, they were always entertaining, interesting & full of detail. Betty was a true independent & strong woman, supporting & celebrating women's rights & equality. She leaves to cherish her unforgettable memories, dearest daughters Sherry LaViolette & Debra Zajaczkowski. Beloved grand-daughters, Trina LaViolette, Lisa Zajaczkowski (Jeff Price), Carrie Holzhei (Michael Holzhei) & Heather Thornburg. Four cherished great-grandchildren, Brady Zajaczkowski, Gabriel Thornburg, Ella & Jack Holzhei. Sister, June Lewis, several nieces, nephews & good friends. Betty was proceeded in death by her beloved son, Thomas Laur, her soulmate, Al, her parents, Juanita Kimmel, Jack Kimmel & John Wilson, grandmother Chloe Burch, great-grandfather, John Gaines & Son-in-law, Robert DeYonker.

Betty was a force of nature. She was a woman with impeccable taste, deep faith, strong in heart & spirit. Those who knew & love her will miss her passion, tenacity & charm. Betty was a trailblazer & a woman who was far ahead of her time. Her beautiful flame has not been extinguished, but shall blaze forever in each soul she touched..."my passing will be but a wisp of air, like a soft summer breeze."

Betty's family would like to extend a VERY special thank you to the doctors, nurses & health professionals of Genesys Health Park. Especially to the 3rd Floor ICU unit with a deep & heartfelt thank you to nurses Tasha & Steve. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 26, 2011 at Hill Funeral Home. Father Steve Anderson will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery.