Jetta Blair

Jetta R. Blair (née Lively), 98, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. She will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

She was the cherished daughter of the late Lorenzo Homer and Beulah Rebecca (Crest) Lively of Brighton, Illinois; beloved wife of the late George W. Blair, Jr.,  of Godfrey, Illinois; loving mother of Deby (Dave) Knupp, Becky Blair, and Mary (Ron) Kuffel; dear grandmother of Jason (Kirsten) Walter, Lauren (Joseph) Gusmeri, Erin (Will) Flato, and Ian Kuffel; proud great-grandmother of Cole Walter, Laney Walter, Luke Gusmeri, James Gusmeri, and Blair Flato. 

Jetta was preceded in death by her two brothers and two sisters-in-law, John E. (Lois Houser) Lively and David H. (Patricia Ann Thomas) Lively. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory. 

Born and raised in Brighton, Illinois, Jetta shared a lifelong love story with her husband, George. The two were high-school sweethearts whose enduring partnership spanned a lifetime. 

Jetta earned her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics degree from SIU-Carbondale and dedicated many years to the Alton School District as both a full-time and substitute teacher. She also enjoyed a rewarding career as a kindergarten teacher at Brighton Elementary School, where she inspired young learners for nearly 30 years. After raising three daughters and while still teaching, she returned to college to earn her Master of Education in Elementary Education degree, along with a Reading Certificate, from SIU-Edwardsville. 

Jetta lived a full, meaningful, and generous life. She was a treasured friend to many and will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit. 

Even as her eyesight became increasingly limited during her later years, Jetta faced life’s challenges with remarkable grace. She rarely complained and instead brightened the days of those around her with her pleasant disposition, friendly banter, and genuine appreciation for others. Family, friends, caregivers, and fellow residents alike most often described her with two simple words:  kind and sweet. 

Jetta’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, staff, and residents of The Vero of O’Fallon, St. Charles, Missouri, for the compassion, kindness, and professionalism they showed during her final years.  Her family is especially grateful for the unwavering love, friendship, and support provided by our dear friend, Carolyn Herren. 

A Celebration of Life will be held August 22, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church, where Jetta was a lifelong member. The church is located at 1100 Airport Road, Godfrey, Illinois 62035. Following the service, family and friends are invited to join in a luncheon at the church. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Brighton Cemetery, Brighton, Illinois. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions supporting vision research and treatments. Donations may be made in memory of Jetta R. Blair to the American Glaucoma Society, the American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), or Washington University Ophthalmology Department.