Betty Rye Lighthall

Betty Rye Lighthall, 83, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Richmond in Rockingham, surrounded by family.  Born on January 5, 1941, in Scotland County, she was the daughter of the late Franklin F. Rye and Martha Stewart Rye.

Betty was born and raised in Scotland County and graduated from Laurel Hill High School in 1958.  In 1957, she met “Jack” and a true love connection was made.  They married later that same year and spent the next 62 years together.  Early in their marriage, they traveled extensively with the U.S. Air Force and lived in Florida, Washington D.C., and Japan.  

While living in Washington D.C., Betty went to work as a bank teller.  After many years of service, she dedicated the rest of her working years to banking and retired in 2007.

She loved God and her family.  She always put her family’s needs above hers and was a very special lady to everyone who knew her.  Her hobbies included reading, gardening, and watching western movies.  The family will celebrate her life at a private service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John LaVerne Lighthall “Jack”; a sister, Isolene Rye, and brothers, Jack Rye, Fred Rye, John Rye, and Rodney Rye.

Betty leaves behind her sons, John Lighthall, Jr., (Karen) of Gibson, Jim Lighthall (Carol) of Laurel Hill, and Jason Lighthall (Emily) of Laurinburg; grandchildren, Jordan Lighthall, Jared Lighthall, Jeremy Lighthall, Katie Lighthall, Jessi Lighthall, Jay Lighthall, Gina Scott, Jamie Jernigan, and Justin Lowery; great-grandchildren Brilea Jernigan and Sawyer Young; sisters Barbara Bunnell and Pat Cox along with many nieces and nephews.

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