Mrs. Betty Sue Neel's Obituary
Betty S. Neel, age 74, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016. She was born on October 21, 1942 in Muskegon to Paul and Josephine (Reinholdt) Morrison and married James L. Neel on March 5, 1971. Betty was a retired Unit Secretary and had worked at both Hackley and Mercy Hospitals. She was very proud to have been the first to pass the State of Michigan exam and be certified as a Unit Secretary. A talented artist, Betty loved to paint and create. She enjoyed reading, gardening and spending time in the woods, but the love of her life was being with her children and grandchildren. They were her “reason to get up every morning”. A cancer survivor of 35 years, “Ming”, as she was known to her family, thrived on making special memories for the kids and she never missed a football or baseball game, wrestling match, dance lesson, cheerleading practice, or any opportunity to be with and cheer for her grandchildren. Survivors include her beloved husband, Jim; children, Marci Neel, Ed (Kris) Neel of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Anna (Jeff) Gamble and family of Hearne, Texas; grandchildren, Robbie Neel, Katie Neel (boyfriend, Devon DeVries), Jamie Neel and Mylie Neel of Muskegon, Roxanne (Steve) Mueller, Danielle Neel; and one great-grandchild, Bennet Mueller of Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her mother, Josephine Morrison; sisters, Karen Smith, Deborah (Bradley) Hyde; brother, Paul (Carol) Morrison; many nieces and nephews whom she adored; special daughter, Noriko (Shigeki) Sasaki who was her exchange student, and children Yusuke and Tamaki of Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan. Betty was preceded in death by her father, Paul Edwin Morrison; and brother-in-law, Charles E. Smith. Betty was a Big Red and loved being in the marching band. She valued its impact on her life and felt every child should have the opportunity to participate. In keeping with her goal to make a difference in the life of a child, in lieu of flowers please consider the Betty Neel Reeths-Puffer Band Scholarship Fund, c/o Reeths-Puffer Administration Building 991 W. Giles Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445. SERVICES will be held 11 AM Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445. VISITATION with the family will be on Monday, December 5, 2016 from 4-7 PM at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St (231) 798-1100, and one hour prior to the service at church, from 10-11 AM.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?