Elizabeth "Betsy" Anne McNiel

She was born in Harrisonburg on October 17, 1954 and was the daughter of Mark and Anna Frances Funkhouser McNiel.

Betsy lived all her life in the Harrisonburg area. In 1973 she graduated from Harrisonburg High School and in 1977 from Mary Washington College. She was an Office Administrator of the after school program, Second Home, at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church. Prior to having children, she was a biochemist at Merck for 18 years. She was a member of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, Job’s Daughters of the Eastern Star and Harrisonburg Junior Women’s Club.

Betsy was a dedicated Broadway High School and Penn State fan, and she loved her children.

She is survived by a son, Zachary McNiel Rinker and girlfriend, Brooke Burkey of Wyomissing, PA, a daughter Catherine “Katie” Anne Rinker of Harrisonburg, and her boyfriend, Brandon McClure of Bridgewater; a nephew, Mark Hill of Durham, NC; and a niece, Sarah Scaffidi of San Jose, CA.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Susan McNiel Hill.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 29, 2016 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church with The Rev. Brett M. Davis and The Rev. Robert F. Humphrey officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. The family requests that everyone attending the memorial service wear bright colors to the memorial service to honor their mother’s bright disposition.

Following her request she will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Second Home, C/O Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, 281 E. Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Add Betsy McNiel to the memo line.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.