Betty Jane Downey

Betty Jane Stakes Downey, 74, of Moss Bluff, departed this life on Monday evening, October 13, 2014 in a local hospital surrounded by her family. She passed away after her very brief battle with cancer. Betty was born on January 1, 1940 to Lloyd Glen Sr. and Annie Richard Stakes in Crowley, LA. Her family moved to the Lake Charles area when she was eight years old. After graduating from Marion High School in 1957 she married the love of her life, Les Downey on June 15th of that year. They were partners with her parents in the Moss Bluff Drive-In where she worked. She also worked several years at Can-It, Inc. She loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. She was a former charter member of Bethel Baptist Church where she played the piano and organ. Betty was such an inspiration to all. Her devotion, honesty and loving personality will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years; her parents; a grandson, Brannon Kuhlthau; and a brother, Lloyd Glen Stakes, Jr. Those left to honor and cherish her memory are daughters, Cindy Downey Kuhlthau and husband Ray of Sulphur and Susan Braselton of Moss Bluff; five grandchildren, Rocky Hickingbottom and wife Catrina, Joanie Kuhlthau Warren and husband Scott, Scott Kuhlthau, Josh Pruitt, and Brittany Kuhlthau; ten great grandchildren; sister, Dianne Stakes Busby; and brothers, John B (Johnny) Stakes and Henry Stakes. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 16, 2014 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Jack Clift will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will resume on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the start of the services.