Obituary Notice: Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Meek (Provided photo)
Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Meek, 89, of Tyrone and formerly of Sandy Ridge, Osceola Mills and Philipsburg, died Monday, July 7, 2014 at the Tyrone Hospital in Tyrone.
Born Nov. 27, 1924 in Tyrone, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret (Young) Magill. She married Christy “Buck” Meek on May 10, 1941 in Winchester, Va.; he preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 1987.
Mrs. Meek’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, she 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, Mrs. Meek served as deaconess, organist and choir director at the First Church of Christ in Philipsburg. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mountain Top Fire Company in Sandy Ridge.
She 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, Mrs. Meek 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. Mrs. Meek attended classes part-time at Penn State University in relation to her career at Penn State.
In addition to volunteering at the Philipsburg Hospital, she 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. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles.
She and her husband 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 her husband’s untimely death in 1987 and well into the 1990?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.
She’s survived by two daughters, Margaret J. Woods of Philipsburg and Christine L. Templeton and her husband, Thomas of State College and a son Robert J. Meek and his wife, Judy of Sandy Ridge.
She’s survived by a sister, Jean Iddings of Tyrone and a brother Albert Magill and his wife, Peg of Shiremanstown. She’s also survived by her grandchildren, Cheri and Ken Woll, Valerie and John Moore, Laurie and Rick Slebodnik, Amy and Jereme Weaver, Natalie Monoskey, Larry and Dawn Woods and Krista Templeton; 17 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, with Pastor Mark Thumma officiating. Burial will be at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg.
At Mrs. Meek’s request, there will be no visitation.
The 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 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.