Betsy Briney

Mary Elizabeth (Truax) Briney (age 61), known to all who loved her as Betsy, left this world far too soon on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by family at home. She was born on March 6, 1965, in Springfield. She married the love of her life Robert K Briney on September 4, 1993.

Betsy was the daughter of Mary Lou & Joseph Schroeder and Paul & Linda Truax. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1983. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University in 1990. Betsy loved her 33 years teaching students motor & self-care skills as an Occupational Therapist with Sangamon Area Special Education District.

Above all, Betsy‘s greatest joy was her family. Her children were her world, and she poured her heart and soul into being the absolute best mother and grandmother! She couldn’t go more than 2 weeks between seeing her grandson who lives 5 hours away! She was truly one of a kind, a strong and sweet soul whose spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Betsy is survived by her devoted husband Robert K Briney; her daughter Lauren (Michael) Leykin, her son Gage Briney, her grandsons Ezra & Elijah Leykin and her soon-to-arrive granddaughter Remington Briney, her mother & stepfather Mary Lou & Joseph Schroeder, her stepmother Linda Truax, her mother-in-law Sally Jo Briney, her brother Paul A Truax, her sister Lindsay Manci, her brother Joe (Lora) Schroeder, her sister-in-law Paula Jo Briney, her nephews Mason & Colton Manci, Derek Schroeder, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Paul L Truax and father-in-law Paul Briney.

Betsy loved with her whole heart, always seeing the very best in everyone she met. She was an encourager with her words, actions and the way she lived her life with boldness and without abandon. Her kindness and generosity to others was unmatchable as she truly lived each day to serve others. Relationships were of the utmost importance to Betsy, and she made sure to be an integral part of her family’s and friends’ lives.

Betsy was always up for spontaneous adventures and creating memories that we will treasure forever. She loved vacationing with her family & friends - spending time at the beach especially taking sunrise beach walks on Harbor Island, skiing in Colorado, fishing in ponds, lakes & oceans, taking road trips, rafting, camping, boating, attending her children and nephew’s sports games, singing & dancing at concerts, watching the sunset, and so much more. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.

As we celebrate Betsy‘s life, we remember her as a shining star who brought so much joy, kindness, and love into this world. Known for her smile that always lights up a room. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her legacy by continuing to spread kindness and care, just as she did.

She now rests in the fullness of God’s glory, surrounded by His everlasting grace.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Radiant Church radiantspringfield.com/give, Illinois Assisted Living Technology iltech.org and her grandchildren’s college fund.

The family is being served by Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711.

Visitation will be held at Radiant Church, 3200 Shaler Road, Springfield, IL 62707, on May 24, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and the Funeral Service will follow at Radiant Church, 3200 Shaler Road, Springfield, IL 62707, on May 24, 2026, at 5:30 pm.

A celebration of life Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday July 18, 2026 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Island Bay Yacht Club, 78 Yacht Club Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62712.