Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Meek
Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Meek, 89, of Tyrone, PA and formerly of Sandy Ridge, Osceola Mills and Philipsburg, PA died on Monday, July 7, 2014 at the Tyrone Hospital in Tyrone, PA.
Born on November 27, 1924 in Tyrone, PA, Betty was the daughter of the late Frank & Margaret (Young) Magill. She married Christy “Buck” Meek on May 10, 1941 in Winchester, VA; he preceded her in death on November 10, 1987.
Betty’s passions in life were her faith, family and music. A self-taught pianist, organist and music director, she served the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Sandy Ridge for more than three decades. In addition, Betty was the “go to” musician in town for weddings, funerals, revivals and special events. Her children were so proud that she volunteered her talents to the Sandy Ridge Elementary School for various musical programs during Christmas and special events. During the next two decades, Betty served as deaconess, organist and choir director at the First Church of Christ in Philipsburg, PA. Betty was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mountain Top Fire Company in Sandy Ridge, PA.
Betty retired from Penn State University as the administrative assistant for Dr. Kenneth Mortimer who later became the President of the University of Hawaii. Previously, she started her career at the Department of Purchases as senior clerk. Also, later in life Betty kept busy working part-time for Dr. Conrad Agra (Osceola Mills) and then Dr. Renee Gehrig (Chester Hill). She was a member of the Tyrone High School class of 1942. Betty attended classes part-time at Penn State University relative to her career at Penn State.
In addition to volunteering at the Philipsburg Hospital, Betty was a caring person who provided transportation for anyone in need to appointments and church. She was always available for home care and comfort to family and friends. She was a faithful reader to a blind neighbor at the Philipsburg Towers until she began to develop dementia. Betty was an avid reader & enjoyed crossword puzzles.
Betty and Buck loved their children and grandchildren dearly and hosted them weekly for “Sunday Dinner” – an expected family bonding experience for everyone. She carried on this family tradition after Buck’s untimely death in 1987 well into the 90’s. These memories provided through her love will last a lifetime.
Along with her Parents and Husband, she was preceded in death by: two infant children, Frank Christy Meek and Nancy Ann Meek; four sisters, Marjorie Wood, Gloria Magill, Grace Gunsallus and Joan Decker; three brothers, William Magill, Frank Magill, Jr. and Edwin Magill Sr.; and a son-in-law, Lawrence “Larry” Woods.
Betty is survived by: two daughters, Margaret J. Woods of Philipsburg, PA and Christine L. Templeton & her husband Thomas of State College, PA; a son Robert J. Meek & his wife Judy of Sandy Ridge, PA; a sister, Jean Iddings of Tyrone, PA; and a brother Albert Magill & his wife Peg of Shiremanstown, PA. She is also survived by: seven grandchildren: Cheri & Ken Woll, Valerie & John Moore, Laurie & Rick Slebodnik, Amy & Jereme Weaver, Natalie Monoskey, Larry & Dawn Woods and Krista Templeton; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Sandy Ridge, PA, with Pastor Mark Thumma officiating. Burial will be at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg, PA.
At Betty’s request, there will be no visitation.
Betty’s family wishes to thank both the Epworth Manor and Tyrone Hospital staff for their excellent and loving care.
The Heath Funeral Home in Osceola Mills, PA is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, c/o Virgina Snyder, Box 3, Sandy Ridge, PA 16677.
To sign the online guestbook, go to: www.heathfuneral.com.
