Betty J. Lekos, 96, of East Moline, formerly of Rock Island passed away Thursday September 3, 2015 at her home.
Services will be Noon Tuesday September 8, 2015 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Rock Island. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in National Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to church or the Milan American Legion 569. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty was born on October 28, 1918 in Fairfield, IA, the daughter of Ruth Parks Battin and Guy Emery Battin.
Betty moved with her mother to Denver, Colorado in 1935; graduated high school there in 1936. After graduation she returned to Fairfield and moved to Davenport, with her best friend Pauline, to share a small apartment in the 'big city'. She met her future husband, Jimmy, at the Coliseum Ball Room. They were wonderful dancers and enjoyed the big bands of the 40's. She married James Lekos on May 30, 1937. He preceded her in death on May 14, 1999.

After they married, they had a small apartment in Rock Island, but shortly after they moved into Jimmy's family home with his parents and sisters. Betty had several jobs in the 'dime stores' and at 'Gibberman's clothing factory on 5th Avenue'. She worked at the Rock Island Arsenal where she dipped and deburred weapon parts. Betty remained there as a local 'Rosie the Riveter' when Jimmy quit his job at the Arsenal to enlist in the Army during World War II. They co-owned the Marathon Snack Bar and pool hall on 20th Street in Rock Island for many years.

In her later years, she was able to remain living comfortably in her own home cared for by her grandson, Todd and his partner, Deb. They made sure she was safe, secure and happy.

Betty was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Rock Island and Milan American Legion Post 569 Auxiliary.

Survivors include her daughter and son in law Patricia (Joseph)
Martel, East Moline; grandchildren, Todd Shepard (Debbie Wentz), Tia Feher, Brandy Foxwell (Lance);
great grandchildren, Matthew Shepard (Amanda), Andrew Shepard, Alex Shepard, Connor Feher, Thomas Foxwell; great-great grandchildren: Leila and Jude Shepard.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Helen, Carl, Bobby and Jack.