Lowell E. Batty

Lowell E. Batty, 92, Cherry Valley resident for over 60 years, died at 12:31 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Grand Victorian of Rockford. Born July 3, 1918 in Esmond, son of Clarence and Abbie Teach Batty. Graduated from Fairdale High School. Married Lillian Garrett in Rockford on March 15, 1941. He worked for several years at Ray Wharton Hardware Store and retired in 1985 from National Hollow Metals & Supply. Lowell was very active in his community, having been a member of the Cherry Valley Order of Eastern Star No.478, Cherry Valley Masonic Lodge No.173 and Tebala Shrine. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Cherry Valley Fire Department, and a member of the Cherry Valley Cemetery Board. He also served as the Cherry Valley Village Clerk for 8 years and was a member of the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church for 60 years. Following retirement, he and Lillian spent 11 years enjoying their time as winter residents of Haines City, FL. Lowell had a quick, methodical mind and his easy-going personality will always be remembered by his family and friends.Survivors include his daughter, Jane(LaVern) Neff, Cherry Valley; son, Gary (Sylvia) Batty, Hunt, TX; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Beth) Benson, Byron, Gregory (fiance' Heidi Bissman) Batty, Machesney Park; step-grandchildren, Blair (Kathy) Neff, Cherry Valley and Brenda (Dave) Habermann, CA; great-grandchildren, Andrew Benson, Matt Benson, Cara Benson and Jenna Neff; 1 great-great grandson, Logan Benson; 3 nieces and a nephew. Predeceased by his wife, Lillian, on March 14, 2004; granddaughter, Julie Benson and 3 brothers, Gilbert, Lawrence and Clarence, Jr. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the staff at Grand Victorian, In- Home Personal Care Service (Felicia, Brandi and Mario) and Heartland Hospice for all of their care and thoughtfulness.Funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Monty Fox, officiating. Burial in Cherry Valley Cemetery. Visitation from 1 p.m. until time of the service.The family would appreciate memorials to Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, Cherry Valley Cemetery Association or Heartland Hospice. Express condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.