Betty Rae Hanthorne

1930 - 2026

Betty Rae (Bratton) Hanthorne, of Attica, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the age of 95. Betty was born on January 27, 1930, in Attica, Indiana, the daughter of the late Raymond and Edella (Smith) Bratton. She spent most of her life in Attica, though she also lived for a time in Indianapolis, where she attended School #52, School #2, and Shortridge High School for her freshman year. She later graduated from Attica High School in 1947.
    In her early years, Betty worked at the Attica Devon Theater selling tickets. It was there that she met Robert Hanthorne, an usher at the theater. They began dating and were married on June 30, 1950, in Williamsport, Indiana. Throughout her career, Betty held various clerical and administrative positions. She worked as a clerk and secretary at the Leavell and Bates Loan Office in Attica, served as a telegraph operator at Wolf's Store, and was later employed by Avco Financial.
    Betty and Robert were active and devoted members of the Attica Free Methodist Church, where they both held several leadership roles. Betty served as a Sunday school teacher and participated on numerous committees and boards. Her faith and commitment to her church community were central to her life. In her free time, Betty enjoyed reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She and Robert shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 U.S. states as well as Canada, Mexico, and Europe. One of Betty’s favorite places was her own front porch, where she spent countless peaceful hours on her swing.
    Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, on May 21, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Sharon Lauretti and Kay (Manson) Cole; and her daughter-in-law, Diana Hanthorne. She is survived by her four children: Cathy (Steve) Clark of Plainfield, IN; Linda (Tim) Anno of Frankfort, IN; Scott Hanthorne of Williamsport, IN; and Todd (Deana) Hanthorne of Attica, IN. Betty also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her brother Raymond Lee (Judy) Bratton of Addison, IL, her sister Jeannine Aldred of Ft. Myers, FL, and her brother-in-law Tolley Lauretti.
    Though she is no longer with us, Betty’s love and warmth continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Family was the center of her life, and her legacy is one of devotion, kindness, and enduring love.
    Friends may call at the Maus Funeral Home, Attica, on Monday, January 26th  from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at 1:00 p.m. with Pastors Jerry Badgley and Joshua Barnett officiating.  Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Attica Free Methodist Church, 1212 E. Main St., Attica, IN   47918.