Betty LeReign Coy, age 97, passed away January 9 in Owosso. The family will receive friends at a visitation Sunday, January 13 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings-Lyons Chapel. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 14 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Owosso. 

Betty was born February 16, 1921 to Alwilda and Charles Jeffords of Owosso. She had an older sister, Berniece Dean, of Ann Arbor. Betty graduated from Owosso High School and married F. Lawrence (Larry) Coy. Together they raised two sons, Jeffrey of Cave Creek, AZ and Roderick (rick) of East Lansing, MI 

Betty was a teller at Owosso Savings Bank and a retailer for Wren's Jewelry prior to opening a men's clothing store, Larry Coy Toggery, with her husband Larry in 1958. 

Throughout her life, Betty was active in the Order of Eastern Star, Job's Daughters, DeMolay and the First United Methodist Church of Owosso.  In 1940 she was initiated into the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan.  Betty served as Worthy Matron in Owosso and a travel companion for Larry who served as Worthy Grand Patron of Michigan.  In 1987 she was granted honorary life membership; she remained active through 2011.  Friends remember both Betty and Larry dancing, ballroom style, around the Grand Chapter room floor.  They were Michigan's own Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  Betty was also a master decorator and event coordinator. 

Betty's reputation as a master hostess carried over to May Breakfasts at the First United Methodist Church, which she attended every year since age 11.  As an adult every year she hosted tables at the May Breakfast, and everyone wanted to be at Betty Coy's table.  It was the best and you got a gift to take home.  She also earned the title of chocolate-pusher.  She was always tempting you to have a piece of candy--right up to her final days. 

Left to cherish Betty's memory, in addition to sons Jeff and Rick, are daughters-in-law Jane Coy and Dede Coy along with grandchildren and spouses-- Christopher & Julie of Minneapolis MN, Amanda & Mark of Reno NV, Ryan of Minneapolis MN, Steven & Cassey of Boston MA and Matt of Boston along with great grandchildren Harper, Rowan and Cassidy. 

The family wishes to thank her caregivers who were an important part of her life in the last few years especially: Diane, Dean, Sue, Pat the Visiting Angels and Pleasant View.