Betty F. Lower, 80, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away Sunday afternoon April 24, 2016 in Springfield, Illinois.  She retired from Pontiac Township High School in 1996 after 22 years of service.  Betty was born January 1, 1936, in Franklin Indiana, to Robert Smith and Frances Graham Smith.

Survivors include her former husband, William D. Lower, two sons, William D. Lower, Jr. (Brenda) of Terre Haute Indiana, and Robert L. Lower (Ebbie) of Imperial Missouri, a daughter, Tracy K. Lower of Springfield Illinois, three grandchildren, Courtney A. Littrell (Justin) of Brownsburg Indiana, William D. Lower, III of Altus Oklahoma, Matthew C. Lower of Terre Haute Indiana, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Rosejane Smith.

Betty graduated from Franklin High School as Valedictorian of her class, and attended Franklin College where she also graduated as Valedictorian of her college class. She taught for a year in 1958 at Franklin High School, and in 1959 was awarded a prestigious national Fulbright Scholarship and studied for a year at the University of Bristol, England. Betty returned to the states, and earned a Master's degree at the University of Illinois.  After moving to Pontiac Illinois in 1963, Betty taught English and Music at Winston Churchill College, and served as Dean of Women for the College through its closing in 1971. Betty became the Title I Director of Livingston County, and eventually joined the faculty of Pontiac Township High School, where she taught English, and served as sponsor for the student newspaper "The Chief", as well as sponsor for the National Honor Society, and directed numerous theatrical productions through her retirement in 1996.

Betty was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Pontiac where she treasured directing the adult choir for many years.  She was active in the Vermillion Players Community Theater for many years during the 1970s-1980s, where she directed, performed, and sang in numerous memorable productions.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Pontiac Illinois, as well as a graveside service in Franklin Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the Lower family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac.