Lighty, Phyllis Jean

Phyllis Jean Lighty, 83, of Marion, passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at Willow Gardens Care Center, Linn County, surrounded by family, following a stroke. Per Phyllis' request she was cremated. Her family will hold a gathering and celebration of her life Sept. 24 at Lake Iowa at noon. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, is in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Larry Lighty.

She is also survived by her brothers, James (Ruth) Worrall of Greenfield, Ark., and Robert Dean (Joan) Worrall of New Salisbury, Ind.; sisters, Charlotte Conger of Axtell, Kan., and Joyce McCullough of Deep River; four sons, David (Kathy) Long of Monticello, Dennis (Shelly) Long of Cedar Rapids, Doug Long (Carolyn Novak) of Cedar Rapids and Eric (Sheila) Long of Crawfordsville; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bryce and Ruth (Morrison) Worrall; brothers, Leighton Arthur Worrall, Bryce LaRaine Worrall and Keith Worrall; sisters, Shirley Annette Jones; and infant granddaughter, Patience Jean Long.

Phyllis was born Oct. 28, 1926, the fifth child of Bryce and Ruth (Morrison) Worrall, in North English, Iowa. She graduated from Keswick High School. During her working career, Phyllis worked at The Spring House in Cedar Rapids and at Collins Radio and Rockwell Collins where she proudly played a part in assembling the components for the Apollo 11.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, and bird watching.

Phyllis was a strong-willed, independent woman throughout her life and took pride in her independence. On May 11, 1946, she was united in marriage to Royal Dean Long, and later divorced. He passed away Jan. 23, 1990. She then was united in marriage to Larry Lighty on May 23, 1973, and became his dedicated caretaker in the last several years and continued to be by his side at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion until her death.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Willow Gardens Care Center and St. Luke's Hospice of Cedar Rapids for making her comfortable throughout her last few months and for assisting her to pass with dignity and grace.

She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a Phyllis J. Lighty memorial fund has been established.

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Published Sept. 12, 2011, in The Gazette