Betty Bolt
Granite City | Save
Betty Joyce Bolt, age 84, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away on July 8, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, where she had spent her later years surrounded by the love of her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Born on May 29, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the cherished daughter of the late Homer Reese and Hedwig (Rygalski) Laird. On March 18, 1960, she married the love of her life, Joseph William Bolt Sr., in East St. Louis, Illinois. They shared 53 beautiful years of marriage until his passing on July 9, 2013.
Betty dedicated 25 years to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher in the Granite City School District, retiring in 1995. Her commitment to education and her students left a lasting impact on many.
She lived life with joy and independence. Betty loved playing cards with friends, crocheting treasured keepsakes for family, visiting casinos, and exploring the world through travel. A true adventurer at heart, her fearless spirit and tech-savviness kept her always on the go—using her computer for shopping, booking trips, and navigating life with Uber.
Family was the heart of Betty’s world. She created countless cherished memories with her children and grandchildren, filling their lives with warmth, laughter, and love.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Darla and Gregg Harrison of Orlando, Florida; her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bolt of Pontoon Beach, Illinois; four beloved grandchildren, Lauren Bolt, Tyler (DeAnna) Bolt, Blake Harrison, and Austin Harrison; and one treasured great-grandson, Jackson Joseph Bolt. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Joseph William Bolt Jr., and three brothers: Richard, Dennis, and Gary Laird.
A celebration of her life will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m., officiated by Reverend Sharon Autenreith. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
To share condolences or memories of Betty, please visit www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
