Betty J. (Downie) Doughty

Betty J. (Downie) Doughty, 89, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at The Commons on Saint Anthony on July 16, 2026.She was born in Newark, NJ, the daughter of the late Lester and Harriet (Hilt) Downie. Betty spent most of her childhood in Conquest and attended Port Byron High School. Betty loved country music and was a very talented singer and songwriter in the 1950s and 60s, having played in numerous bands, including the Jimmy Stone Band. One of her fondest memories was opening for the Country Music Hall of Fame singer, Loretta Lynn. Many who heard Betty perform compared her to her favorite artist, the late great Patsy Cline. When belting out a ballad, Betty didn't need a microphone, and her trademark was a yodel that she used to entertain people up until her final days.When her children arrived, her unconditional love, courage, and loyalty to them meant putting away her dreams of being a musician. She turned to manual labor, be it waitressing or factory work, to raise three children, and her sister Cheryl, as a single parent at a time when doing so carried an undeserved stigma. She persevered and sacrificed, often working multiple jobs, and provided for them despite earning significantly less than men in the same positions. Because she loved her family with her whole heart and soul, her hard work and selflessness gave them opportunities she never had, and their success brought her the greatest joy and happiness.When not spending time with her family, she enjoyed being outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounded her, whether it was taking long walks at Beaver Lake or just sitting and watching the birds; Betty was very content to be immersed in the beauty around her. She had many pets over the years, whom she adored, and who brought her great comfort and companionship. She was fiercely independent and driven to do things on her own. She could be impish, a bit of a wiseacre, but all in the service of making others laugh as she so loved to do.She is survived by her loving children, son Michael (Laurie) Lees, daughter Colene (Stephan Andersson) Doughty, grandchildren, Bridgette (Justin) Brooks, Brenda (Glenn) Weber, Zachary (Kristen Schmaling) Herringshaw, Daniel Lees, Matthew Lees, Rachael Lees, Vanessa Lees, great-grandchildren Justin Jr., Charles, Coda Francis, Lyra Love, Anna, Jake, Ozzy and siblings, Doris Baird, Robert Downie, Cheryl (Dan) Royer as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Tami, and two sisters, Barbara Schrader and Janet Simons.Though later in life she would claim her body was in a state of “I Fall to Pieces," her spirit was always "Walkin' After Midnight" with a "Crazy" sense of adventure. She had a "Faded Love" for the good old days but was forever content to be right "Back in Baby's Arms," proving that despite all the "Strange" turns in life, you could rest assured that "She's Got You". Now, she rests peacefully with "Sweet Dreams" remembering the “Blue Moon of Kentucky”. And whoever knew Betty, remember that her thoughts will always be “You Are My Sunshine”.The family graciously thanks the staff at The Commons in Auburn, New York, for their compassion and care over the last 5 years. You were more than caregivers to Betty; you were family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to The Loretto Foundation, 700 East Brighton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205 or online at https://lorettocny.org/about-us/loretto-foundation/#donationformTosend flowersto the family orplant a treein memory of Betty J. (Downie) Doughty, pleasevisit our floral store.