Bettye Hiscock Knapp

Bettye Hiscock Knapp, 85, of LaFayette, New York passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Bettye was the daughter of the late George and Florence Hiscock, also of LaFayette. She was a 1951 graduate of LaFayette Central Schools. She attended Cortland Teacher’s College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 1954, and was a life member of Alpha Sigma Alpha. Bettye went onto have an amazing 46-year teaching career at LaFayette Central Schools where she greatly impacted many young people’s lives, instilling in them a love of learning and what she was fond of saying was a “Good start.” She was listed in Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and received a Lifetime Certificate of Recognition from the National PTA. Bettye married Malcolm Wells Knapp in 1954 and they shared 59 wonderful years together until his death in 2013. Together they had three children, Deborah, Douglas and David, all of whom ultimately lived in the LaFayette area, on or near the five-generation family farm. Bettye and daughter Debbie co-owned the Children’s House of Discovery day care for over ten years. Bettye loved the community of LaFayette and was involved in numerous activities. She was a founding member of the LaFayette Apple Festival and remained an officer until her death. Bettye was also a former secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the Historical Society, the Assessment Review Board and a congruent of the Columbian Presbyterian Church. Additionally, she served as a Census taker for LaFayette Central Schools for many years and was a member of the NYS Teachers Association. In 1995 she was named LaFayette Citizen of the Year. Bettye was a talented musician and loved music. She particularly enjoyed playing many instruments, including the piano, in her kindergarten classroom every day. Additionally, she served as a church organist and played piano for dance lessons. In retirement, Malcolm and Bettye enjoyed many wonderful trips to various countries around the world with their good friends, John and Irene Libby. Bettye was a truly special person who will be remembered for her love of children, a life of faith, humility and generosity and commitment to the LaFayette Community. She was devoted to her family and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm; daughter, Deborah Knapp Miller; and her parents, George and Florence Hiscock. She is survived by her sons, Douglas (Anne), and David (Donna) Knapp; son-in-law, Kenneth Miller; seven grandchildren, Douglas (Joanna), Justin (Mackenzie), Kenneth (Tina), Ashley (Aaron), Gabrielle, Brittany (Michael), Devon (Steven), Shannon and Oliver as well as seven great-grandchildren, Delanie, Katherine, Landon, Jamison, Luke, Nate, and Bailey. She is also survived by her sister, Georgia Cates; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday, December 14, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ballweg and Lunsford Funeral Home, 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette, NY 13084 with a funeral service on Saturday, December 15, 2018, 10 a.m. at Columbian Presbyterian Church, US Route 11 and 20, LaFayette, NY 13084. Donations in Bettye’s name may be made to Columbian Presbyterian Church, http://columbianpresbyterianchurch.com/donate. Please visit the online memorial at www.ballweg-lunsford.com