Betty Lou Leech

Betty Lou Leech, 93, of Rockford, passed away on February 11, 2017 at Alden Debes Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Rockford, Illinois.

Betty was born January 7, 1924 on a farm near Rock Lake, North Dakota, to Lulu and Donald Leech. The Leech family moved during Depression years to the Rockton, IL area where they continued farming.

Betty chose a secretarial/bookkeeping career in the Rockford area following graduation from Hononegah Community High School. Early in her career, she was hired by the Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Company and worked there for 20 years, during which time there were many manufacturing transitions, including the building of equipment, parts and machines specific to World War II in the late 1930’s through mid-1940. She was very proud of this company and the people there for whom she worked.

Following those years were secretarial opportunities with banking, in addition to her position with Rockford Public Schools food service. She was active in her church for many years as well as membership with the Lady Landowners, a group of women who took pride in real estate and/or land ownership and met socially on a monthly basis. Their friendship meant a great deal to her.

Most importantly, Betty knew her Bible and loved God. She was a devoted Daughter and shared her Mother’s home, followed by long-term care of her Mother in later years. Betty appreciated her sister, Dorothy, and cared very much for her niece and nephews and their children.

Betty was the true definition of a radio “news aficionado” and could share happenings around Rockford and the area, as well as having knowledge of much that was occurring throughout our nation and the world. She loved America, our military, law enforcement, and had an incredible memory for dates, facts, birthdays, anniversaries and much more.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy (brother-in-law, Marvin) Seed, and infant brother. She is survived by her niece Virginia & (Richard) Beaver, Fargo, ND; nephews Carl (Peggy) Seed, Thief River Falls, MN; and Larry Seed, Kalispell, MT, as well as great nieces and nephews and their children.

Betty was assisted by two incredible families who became her Rockford “adopted family” over many decades due to distance from Dorothy’s family. Lynn (Sheedy) Gibson and Joanne (Sheedy) Carlson and their families have given their time and loving care on Betty’s behalf to a larger degree than anyone could possibly comprehend. She was always a holiday guest of the Sheedy family as well. Her family is beyond thankful! Betty will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Street, Rockford, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty Lou’s name to Heartland Hospice. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.