Betty Lou Yant, 94, died Tuesday, Jan. 9 at Bertrand Nursing Center.  She was born Oct. 17, 1923  in Sikeston to the late William and Iva (Hutchason) Thompson but was raised by her mother and step-father, Liston Mitchell.  A resident of this area most of her life, she had worked at International Shoe Co. and was a member of Old Bethel Baptist Church.  On March 1, 1947 she married Travis Yant in Piggott, Arkansas and he preceded her in death Feb. 2, 2000.  She is survived by 1 son Geary Yant of the home; 2 brothers, Liston Mitchell of Chaffee and James Mitchell of San Jose, California; and one sister, Janet Mitchell of St. Louis.  Also surviving are 2 granddaughters, Kristi Hensley and Becky Robinson, both of Sikeston and 4 great-grandchildren, Gage Barber, Gracie Barber, Wyatt Hensley and Whitney Hensley all of Sikeston.  She was preceded in death by 3 brothers.  Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 11 at Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 11:00 am until time for the funeral service at 1:00 pm.  Rev. Steve Vester, pastor of Old Bethel Baptist Church will officiate and burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Richard Dale Mitchell, Mark Yant, Tony Powell, Randy Yant, Kevin Hensley and David Yant.  Honorary pallbearers will be Gage Barber, Jackie Mitchell and Steve Yant.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.