On January 13, 2006, following a stroke, Betty Ellen Neumayer slipped her earthly bounds and went to meet her Savior.

Betty was born on January 5, 1927 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Harold and Nellie Zimmerman. Growing up in Bonners Ferry she spent time working in her father’s meat market greeting customers and making many friends. While in high school she met the love of her life, Ed Neumayer. They were married on May 27, 1945 and began their journey through a long and happy life. They moved to Moscow, Idaho where Ed attended the U of I and Betty worked in the library. After graduation, they moved to Burbank, California and were blessed with the first of their three children. After a few more moves and the birth two more children, they made their home in West Richland.

Betty was talented and it showed in everything that she did. She loved to play the piano and sing her favorite songs. Her interest in the piano allowed her to teach piano to many and she enjoyed the many years she sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church of Richland. Writing was also a hobby she enjoyed throughout her life. Her poetry, stories, and plays were enjoyed by many. She spent many years as a Sunday school teacher and loved to see her students grow up.

Betty and Ed loved to travel in their retirement years. She especially enjoyed the time that they spent in Australia as missionaries building a church and traveling. Betty was also proud of the 3 years that they worked at Master’s College of 860 students in California where she worked in the school post office and helped to establish a new library doing secretarial/computer work

Betty treasured the time spent with Ed at their cabin on the Moyie River in Idaho. The cabin was built with love over many years and it was the site of many good times with her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She loved company dropping in and invited as many people as she could to her beautiful mountain home. Throughout her later years, Betty loved to entertain friends with plenty of good food and conversations. Six years ago a stroke left Betty paralyzed on one side, but in spite of her disability she continued to spread cheer where ever she was. She could be found every Sunday greeting people at church with Ed by her side.

Betty is survived by Ed, her husband of 60 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her sister Jean Sage. Surviving children are her daughter Cindy and her husband Terry Morgan of Selah, daughter Nancy and her husband Dennis Cox of Pasco, her son David and his wife Karen of Richland. She has 6 grandchildren, Kraig Kammenzind, Janelle Brownell, Kelly Cox, Daniel Cox, Nicholas Neumayer, and Stephen Johnson. Betty also has 6 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Richland.1106 Wright Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Liberty Christian School or the First Baptist Church of Richland.