Margaret "Betty" Lothian

ST. ALBANS - Margaret Elizabeth "Betty" Lothian, a lifelong Franklin County resident, passed away on May 22, 2026 at the age of 94 at her daughter's home in Barre, VT. Betty was born on the Barnum Family Farm on March 14, 1932 in Franklin, VT, the daughter of Walter and Ruth (Wightman) Barnum.

She graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1951. While attending Franklin HS, Betty was a cheerleader for the boys basketball team. Years later, she routinely attended and cheered-on many of the Richford High School girls basketball games as well.

On February 3, 1952 Betty and Alton Lothian married in Franklin. Throughout their 71 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling to and from Florida numerous times visiting countless attractions. In 1993, Betty and Bert traveled around the U.S. on Amtrak, visiting 32 states, and in 1996 they went on a Bus Tour to Branson, Missouri enjoying live music and shows.

As a homemaker, our family enjoyed Mom's baking, cooking and sewing skills. She made many of Nancy's school dresses along with three wedding dresses for her nieces, and countless articles of clothing and gifts for the Richford United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaars, and the Richford Country Club Women's Invitational Golf Tournaments. Mom played golf for over 45 years into her mid to late 80's at the RCC and made many friends with the staff, visiting players, and other RCC members.

Along with her sewing skills, she routinely knit, crocheted or quilted gifts of blankets, hats, mittens, hot dish pads, and Barbie Doll clothes. Another niche of skills led to her braiding dozens of wool rugs, including a beautiful 9X12 used in our home for 40 +years. In the 1970's, Mom worked professionally as a seamstress for the Monsoon Rainwear Company, and then the Dress Factory, where she was anointed as the "Zipper Girl" due to her speed and accuracy of sewing them into place.

Betty was predeceased by Alton in 2023. She is survived by her children, Steven (Linda) Lothian, Nancy (Penny) Lothian, grandchildren, Tyler (Tarah) Lothian, Alyssa Lothian, and her great grandchildren, Eva and Jase, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date, in the Franklin Village Cemetery in Franklin, VT.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Enosburgh/Richford United Methodist Church at PO Box 355, Enosburgh Falls, VT. 05450, or to the Richford Country Club at 249 Golf Course Road, Richford, VT. 05476.

 Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com