MCNEAL, Betty Jo

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/21/2006 Betty Jo McNeal, 67, died Friday, April 14, 2006 in Show Low. She was born in Big Springs, Texas to Ollie J. and Kittie Belle Anderson August 30, 1938. Betty was born a worthy advisor and grand service in the Order of the Rainbow Girls in her teens and was a formidable tennis player. She received an AA degree from Phoenix College in 1963, earned her Master's degree from the University of Texas in 1967 and was enrolled in the graduate program at ASU West from 1998-2003, working towards her PHD. Betty worked for Convair doing scientific war experiments for the government and was a teacher at Leeward Community College in Hawaii. She also co-owned Koa Kai Distributors with her husband Jim. Betty met the love of her life, Jim in 1960. She lived in Wash. D.C., Virginia, Arizona and California. Jim lived in Arizona, California and Chicago but they managed to maintain a fun courtship. They married June 11, 1970. They honeymooned and fell in love with the Hawaiian Islands, three weeks later they moved to Hawaii and lived there for 27 years. They retired in 1989, moved to Gold Canyon in 1996 and in Dec. 2002 they moved to Show Low. Betty had a zest for life and enjoyed it to the fullest. From sailing and beach outings in Hawaii to R.V. trips to every National Park in the United States to boating and fishing with Jim wherever there was water, their life was a celebration of love for each other. Betty was a beloved wife, sister and friend to everyone who crossed her path and will be missed dearly. Betty is survived by her husband, James McNeal; son, Brett (Chery) McNeal; granddaughter, Jamye McNeal; sister, Joyce (Luke) McDaniel; step-daughter, Chris Helfling and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. A Service of Memory and Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21 at Fools Hollow Lake, Bluebird Ramada. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.