Betty McNeely

Betty McNeely, 76, a resident of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully in her home Oct. 15, 2013. She was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico April 26, 1937 to Antonio and Josephine Velasquez. Betty was a hairdresser for over 40 years, a member and Senior Regent for the North Las Vegas Chapter 748 “Women of the Moose”. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Preston; parents, Antonio and Josephine; sister, Maxine Weaver; and grandson; Christopher Budde. She is survived by her brother, Leroy Velasquez; children Florence Budde, Antonio Andrade, Rosalie Palafox, Delia Taylor, Delfino Andrade, and Betty Robertson; 11 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

From her Children:

Our mother was just an ordinary women who lived her life from day to day. She was a devout Catholic and her faith never faltered even in the toughest of times. She said that is what got her through life. She was our hero. She was strong, independent and a very loving mother. She instilled in us a strong work ethic, confidence to be our own person, independence and a strength that would get us through the really hard times. She loved us all with all her heart.

She herself was a very independent woman and insisted that we go live our lives and not stay around to watch over her. When one of us would stop by she enjoyed cooking for us. Some of our favorites were anise seed cookies, rice pudding, green chili, menudo and of course homemade tortillas. When we were kids and out playing she would be making tortillas and the whole neighborhood could smell them. All of the neighborhood kids would come and get one of mom’s warm tortillas and she never turned any of them away. One of mom’s favorite was the anise seed cookies. She would receive a package of homemade anise seed cookies every year that she said she was going to hide from everyone, but would always end up sharing. She just wanted to share the love with her kids. Mom didn’t have much but what she did have was the love a mother should have for her children. She loved each of her children dearly. She was very proud to say that she raised six children on her own. After dad past away there were five still at home. And she always said she was proud of all her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed crafts, gardening, dancing and was known to shoot a mean game of pool.

She expanded her comfort zone when she became Senior Regent for the Women of the Moose and had to stand up and speak in front of the meetings. Even though she had doubts, she persevered, she didn’t take any guff from anyone and became a beloved member of the Moose lodge.

She was very passionate about her political views and what she believed. She wasn’t afraid to let anyone know how she felt or what the politicians should be doing.

Our mom lived her life in a way that was an inspiration and example to us without trying to.

“Mom always said, “I am not your friend, I am your mother”, but she eventually became our friend. Thank you mom for all you have done for us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your time, your support and concern. Thank you for teaching us right from wrong, teaching us there is always something to believe in, and teaching us how to care for others. Thank you for making us strong and making us stand on our own. Thank you for showing us the importance of hard work and responsibility. Thank you for worrying about us even when we did not worry about ourselves. Most of all thank you for your friendship and love.”