Betty McNeely
June 11, 1964 - April 29, 2023
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Betty McNeely
June 11, 1964 - April 29, 2023
Obituary
Betty McNeely was born on June 11, 1964, and passed away on April 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and kindness. She married her husband James McNeely on June 11, 1988, in Denton, Texas, and together they raised four boys, James, Jonathan, Joseph and Joshua.
Early on, Jim and Betty liked to go on frequent road trips to places like the Grand Canyon, Utah, and Colorado. During these trips, they would make up songs and funny poems and enjoy each other’s company. Betty and Jim loved making music together, and Jim was always amazed by Betty’s powerful and beautiful singing voice.
Betty had a huge heart and loved people deeply. She was an amazing singer, musician, and songwriter. Her unique and bold fashion sense always made her stand out, and she loved everyone for who they were. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and pastor. She worked as a mobile notary signing agent where she met many people and created lasting friendships.
Betty was a woman who lived life fully with love and kindness, always seeing the best in people and finding joy in everything around her. She had a fun-loving nature that drew people to her and made her an absolute joy to be around. Betty’s faith was an integral part of her life, and she lived with a worshipful and grateful spirit that touched the lives of everyone she met.
Betty’s beautiful smile could light up a room. Her singing voice was nothing short of incredible, with a perfect, bell-like tone that simply dripped with joy and love. She loved to sing and play music, and she shared her talent with anyone who was lucky enough to hear her. Betty’s joy and kindness were infectious, and she had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved.
Through her kind and loving nature, Betty left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated, no matter who they were. She had a gift for seeing the best in people, and she always encouraged others to be the best they could be. Betty will be remembered for her infectious joy, her beautiful smile, and her unwavering kindness, which touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Betty is survived by her husband James (Jim) McNeely, her four sons James Wilson McNeely, Jonathan David William McNeely, Joseph Walker McNeely, and Joshua Wayne McNeely, her sister Bonnie Endres, friends Deborah Roberts and Kristi Teeter, and two grandchildren.
In the hearts of those who loved her, Betty will live on forever. Though she has left this world, her memory will continue to inspire and guide those she touched with her love and kindness. Betty McNeely was a true force of nature, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A viewing and visitation will be held on May 9th at 12:00 PM at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel, followed by a short funeral service and procession to Bayview Cemetery for graveside committal. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of life at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel immediately following.
Viewing
- Date & Time: May 9, 2023 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bayview Chapel
- Location: 2465 LAKEWAY DR BELLINGHAM, WA 98229-2657 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 733-0510
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: May 9, 2023 (1:00 PM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bayview Chapel
- Location: 2465 LAKEWAY DR BELLINGHAM, WA 98229-2657 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 733-0510
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: May 9, 2023 (2:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
- Venue: Bayview Cemetery
- Location: 1420 Woburn St Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 778-7150
Celebration of Life
- Date & Time: May 9, 2023 (2:30 PM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bayview Chapel
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 733-0510
1 responses to Betty McNeely
Clemente Lopez says:
May 2, 2023
I was very saddened to hear of Betty’s passing as anyone would when someone is lost. We were friends during my high school years (we went to different high schools) and a good friend at church. Her parents were very good friends with my parents, (from church and outside of church) and our mothers were able to administer communion during church services. Our families would go camping together every year. Our families were involved in prayer groups and both Betty and I, were involved in confraternity of Christian doctrine (CCD) classes each week.
Betty always had a large, genuine smile, though both of us experienced unhappy times, when we were together, we were laughing in our own little world. At this time, she felt awkward being tall and I was awkward being short. She was the only person I knew who loved to play Monopoly as much as I did.
I remember she desired to lead by example. Ronald McDonald House would pay for lodgings for parents with children having medical care done in Fort Worth. For several years in a row, we had a carnival, once at her parents’ home and once at my parents’ home. We sold tickets for shows of The Three-Stooges reel-to-reels, sold popcorn, had prizes and games. This was Betty’s brain working in leading by example. It was such a fulfilling emotion to take that check down to the local chapter of Ronald McDonald House. That is who Betty was.
I remember being so distraught over her assessment that she would never be happy but that did not last long, if she could only know what was to be in store for her. Family, children, a husband—a life well-earned and deserved.
For her children, Betty was a mother to be so proud of—not just from that moment she became a mother and wife but from the very beginning—the very start of it all. I promise you; she has now been given the reward she never forgot she was working for. Several years back we touched briefly on Facebook, but I have since stepped back from that and we lost touch. The Betty you know is the same Betty I knew. Happy, smiling, singing, empathizing, and understanding to name just a few and I will miss her and remember her for the rest of my own life.
I can’t imagine the loss you feel to be so close to such a bright light and it be gone. But I assure you our time apart will be brief and once again you will be near that bright light again.