K. JoAnn Leighty

Kathryn “JoAnn” Leighty, 91, of Danville passed away peacefully at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville on September 23, 2026. She was born in Ridge Farm on June 20, 1935 a daughter of the late John and Jessie Irene {Smith} Hester. JoAnn grew up in Ridge Farm and attended Eastern Illinois University following high school, where she pursued her bachelor’s degree in education.

JoAnn taught home economics at Georgetown High School and also at a vocational technical school. In addition to her work in education, she served for several years as secretary for her husband, Don, at State Farm. She was known as someone who was always happy and always wore a smile. JoAnn was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, and her family was at the very center of her life. She loved them more than anything, and that love was shown in countless everyday ways.

JoAnn was a collector, a talented sewer, and an excellent cook. She took great joy in cooking for family and friends, and some of her most treasured times were spent with her grandchildren. She taught them how to cook and sew, passing along both practical skills and loving memories. They also fondly remembered playing school with her as they were growing up, a reflection of her playful nature and her lifelong gift for teaching.

Her faith was an important part of her life. JoAnn was a member of Ridge Farm Friends Church for many years and, more recently, attended Danville’s 1st Church of the Nazarene. She was also active in the Christian Women’s Club, the Danville Garden Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

JoAnn married the love of her life, Donald Leighty, on December 28, 1958 and the two shared the next 65 years together making wonderful memories before his passing in 2024. In addition to Don and her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Arlene Leighty and her siblings Paris Hester and Mary Paulin.

JoAnn is survived by her sons, Jeff Leighty of Danville and Brad (Jill) Leighty of Fishers, IN.; as well as her grandchildren Anne Leighty of Denver, CO., Katherine (John) Shattles of Indianapolis, IN., and Jack (Emily) Leighty of Grand Rapids, MI.

The family would like to thank all the helpful caregivers at Liberty Village and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville.

A visitation will be held from 10 am – 11:30 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville, IL. A funeral service celebrating her life will immediately follow at 11:30 am that morning, also at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest next to Don at Crown Hill Cemetery following a private family burial. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Ridge Farm Friends Church. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with her family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.