Betty Sightler died Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the age of 92. A resident of Baton Rouge, she was born in Washington, D.C. Survived by her daughter, Sterling Sightler, and son-in-law, Jim Crowell; sister, Emily Verkouteren, of Asheville. N.C.; brother, George Marsden and wife Betty, of Newport, N.C.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by her husband, Septimus Sightler; parents, Sterling and Roger Marsden; sisters, Harriet Morgan and Jane Gerstacker; and brothers, Bob Marsden and Jim Marsden. Betty Sightler was a grand lady of that "Greatest Generation" who fulfilled and honored her role as an officer's wife. A war bride of 1943, she was married 55 years to Col. Septimus Bonham Sightler Jr., a career U.S. Army officer. She worked as a legal secretary prior to her marriage but spent most of her life as a devoted wife and mother. As an Army wife, she lived in Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Virginia, Alabama and Florida before relocating to Baton Rouge in 2000 after her husband's death. She was an excellent cook and her desserts, especially her prized rum cake, were in constant demand at bake sales and social gatherings. After the death of her older sister, she assumed the position of matriarch of a large extended family which gathered regularly for reunions, weddings, wakes and any other excuse for a celebration. After moving to Baton Rouge, she became an avid bridge player. She played with several regular bridge groups as well as hosting a weekly game in her home for a number of years. Stephen Vincent Benet's description in his epic poem suits her well: "She knew the whole duty of womankind: to hate the sin and love the sinner and see that the gentlemen got their dinner." She will be remembered as an elegant and gracious lady by those she has left behind. She will be joyfully welcomed to her new home by the many loved ones who have preceded her. Special thanks to Dr. Susan Richarme who took such faithful care of her during her years in Baton Rouge. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Interment of her ashes will be in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church or Louisiana Dancesport (contact: Cecil Phillips, (225) 767-3853.)
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