Betty Kay Werner (nee Lichtenwalter), passed away peacefully in her Manhattan Twp. farm family home on October 15, 2024. Survived by children Donald Jr. (Deborah) Werner, Deborah (Bill) Hackman, and Dawn (Greg) Krantz, sister Carol (Lou) Kish, sisters-in-law Karen Lichtenwalter and Nina Jones, brothers-in- law Bill Amiot and Joe Vondrash, grandchildren Brad (Nina) Werner, Justina Hackman, Jeremy (Tiffany) Werner, Jasen (Laura) Hackman, Brett (Chanel) Krantz, Brandon (Kristin) Krantz, Matthew (Micaela) Zimmer, great-grandchildren Torin and Lilly Werner, Lucas and Isla Werner, Theodore and Evelyn Hackman, Makenna and Marcus Krantz, Olivander Zimmer and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Lester and Helen Lichtenwalter, husband of 64 years Donald Werner, Sr., son Brad, brother Robert Lichtenwalter, sisters-in-law Doris Amiot and Eleanor Vondrash, and brother-in-law LeRoy Jones.

Betty grew up on the Lichtenwalter family farm in Manhattan. As a child, she loved horseback riding, played classic piano, was an excellent student, and an avid reader (which she enjoyed through all seasons of life). She was a member of the United Brethren Church and sang in the choir.

She married Don in 1957. Together she and Don built a thriving family and farm business. She was an involved mother of four and homemaker, sewing many of the kids' clothes, being a room mom, and a Sunday school teacher while pitching in with whatever task was needed on the farm whether helping move machinery, drive a tractor, or grain truck to the nearby elevator.

Later Betty became the US Postal Carrier for Route 2 Manhattan for over twenty years. True to folk lore, she delivered mail through rain, snow, and dusty gravel roads all while continuing her farm role as lunch maker, bookkeeper, and equipment operator as needed.

She was a long-time member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, directed Compassionate Friends at Silver Cross Hospital for many years, and cherished her coffee group at Manhattan Library.

Her grandchildren will remember her for cookies, pies, afternoon swims, and her annual Christmas gathering.

Visitation for Betty will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4-8:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place the following day, October 19, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. also at the funeral home. Interment Manhattan Center Cemetery, Manhattan, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's name to Friends of the Library, 240 Whitson St., P.O. Box 53, Manhattan, IL 60442 or to St. Paul United church of Christ, 140 Thelma St., Manhattan, IL 60442 would be most appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.