Betty L Leighty

Betty L. Leighty, age 95, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, at Haven of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Illinois. She was born April 23, 1931 in Norris City, Illinois, the daughter of Wilburn Dale and Mabel Bruce Dale. She married Joseph Leighty, Sr. on October 19, 1950, and he preceded her in death on May 26, 1977.

Betty was a homemaker who devoted herself to raising her four sons. Following the death of her husband, Joseph, she entered the workforce, becoming employed at Neeley’s Key Market and later the United Methodist Village. She was of the Methodist faith and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Women of the Moose.

Betty was an exceptional cook who loved preparing meals for her family. An avid Lawrenceville Indian fan, she especially cherished watching her sons and grandchildren play basketball. She was the ultimate sports mom, always making sure her boys had everything they needed to play their best game. Betty proudly attended every game, cheering on her beloved Lawrenceville Indians and supporting her sons every step of the way. In her later years, she was an avid Red Hill Salukis fan to cheer on and support her grandchildren. She treasured these moments and the lasting memories made with her family.

Betty will be remembered as a strong, loving, and nurturing woman who devoted her life to her family. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceding Betty in death were her parents; husband; son, Joe Leighty; one great-granddaughter, Hope Leighty; and her siblings, Clarence Earl “CE” Dale, Wilburn Dale, Jr., Barbara Anderson and Delores Break.

Survivors include: children, Mike (Susan) Leighty of rural Lawrenceville, Rick (Kim) Leighty of Bridgeport, Tim Leighty of Lawrenceville; grandchildren, Lindsi (Todd) Tiffany, Kylee (Greg) McKinney, Michael (Bri) Leighty, Landon (Alex) Leighty, Jordon (Natalie) Leighty, Mack Leighty, Jamie Leighty, and Danielle (Trevor) Comer; 21 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 7 at 1:00 PM CST at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Allendale Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.