Geraldine Lighter

Geraldine L. Lighter, age 99, of Storm Lake, Iowa died August 13, 2013 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Geraldine Louise Betts was born November 23, 1913 in Sibley, Iowa, the daughter of Curtis and Laura (Stamm) Betts. Growing up, she attended school in Sibley and graduated from Sibley High School in 1932. Curtis Betts worked for the railroad, and by the time Geraldine was a young woman, she had traveled extensively with her family and had visited each state in the continental United States by train. On July 3, 1938, Geraldine was united in marriage to Jack K. Lighter in Sibley, and shortly after, moved to Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with two children, Pat and Bruce. She enjoyed working part time at Smart but Thrifty and Douglass Clothiers where she enjoyed working with people and the friendships she made through those experiences. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and homemaker. Geraldine took great pleasure in keeping a comfortable home for her family. She enjoyed traveling with Jack and their children, and they took many family vacations when the kids were young and after she and Jack had retired. Geraldine was also a very active member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. In 1955 Jack and Geraldine moved to N. Windsor Circle where lifelong friendships were made and treasured. In 2009 she sold her home and moved to Otsego Place in Storm Lake where she made her new home and loved the time she spent there. She was very energetic and enjoyed walking and exercising. Family was an important part of her life and she will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Pat Christmas of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Bruce Lighter of Omaha, Nebraska; three grandchildren: Elizabeth Roper, Ann (Steve) Tarr, and Maynard (Alicia) Smith; eight great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; extended family and friends. Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Laura Betts; her husband of 58 years, Jack Lighter; siblings: B.C. Betts; Mildred Craven and Virginia Miegel; and son-in-law, Rick Christmas.

Geraldine Lighter

November 23, 1913 - August 13, 2013