MADISON - Rilla Belle “Rooty" Leigh, age 88, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the BeeHive Homes of Oregon. She was born on Oct. 31, 1935, in the Township of New Haven, Wis., the daughter of Fay and Sylvia (Everson) Hyatt.

Rooty graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1953. On Feb. 20, 1954, she married Earl “Toby” Leigh at Plymouth Congregational Church in Madison. She was employed by Dane County for many years and served as the Chief Deputy County Clerk for 16 years before retiring.

She was an avid softball player on a Madison traveling team for over 20 years. She was also passionate about all sports, attending Badgers football, hockey and basketball games, as well as home and away Green Bay Packers games.

Rooty and her husband were founding members of the Madison Packer Backers, in 1965, creating an organization of “football people”, supporting the Pack through thick and thin. The club allowed thousands of fans to experience a Packer game or event through the years, which brought Rooty and Earl much joy.

Rooty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl “Toby” Leigh; brother, Russell Hyatt; sisters, Betty Jean Zenke and Faye Trinkner. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and special friend Cheryl Cummings.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Rooty’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 2 p.m. and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made in Rooty’s name to Rawhide Youth Services, E7475 Rawhide Road, New London, WI 54961.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Rilla Belle "Rooty" Leigh

October 31, 1935 - March 21, 2024

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