Betty L. Luther, 95, Columbia City, died at 5:03 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since September 2016.

She was born May 24, 1921 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of Cecil and Clara Carmen (Anspaugh) Gradeless. Her formative years were spent in Columbia Township. She graduated from South Whitley High School.

On Sept. 21, 1940 she was united in marriage to Simon L. Luther. They made their home in Columbia City for four years, then moving to Laud. In September 2005 they moved into Columbia City. Mr. Luther died May 24, 2013.

Betty owned, operated and managed the Laud Store for ten years. She was also the librarian and teachers’ aide at Jefferson Center School for 15 years.

Her memberships include Laud Christian Church, Bethel Rebekah Lodge, Jefferson Township Home Division and Main Bowl Women’s League.

Surviving relatives include two children, Lex (Renee) Luther of Bear Lake and Melinda (Andy) Lowe of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and a great great grandson.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Luanne Freshour; two brothers, Alfred Gradeless and Clifford Gradeless; and a sister, Clara Schuman.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Betty’s birthday and the day of Simon’s homecoming, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Laud Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.