Betty McConnell

Betty J. McConnell, 88, a 33 year resident of the Peninsula, died at her Ocean Park, Washington residence on March 27, 2012. The daughter of Ralph and Jessie (Lisle) Cox, Betty was born in Fairview, Montana on October 4, 1923. A 1941 graduate of Fairview High School, Betty later graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa with a degree in teaching. Initially Betty taught in a one-room school house before teaching third grade in her native Fairview for ten years. She was employed at a bank in Fairview prior to moving to the Peninsula 33 years ago. Always one to keep busy, Betty worked at PACE Nutrition in Ilwaco for 20 years before finally retiring. Betty enjoyed gardening and was particularly proud of her flowers. She enjoyed her feline companions and also was an avid poetry reader. She and Leland "Lee" McConnell eloped and were married April 15, 1943. He has preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter Patsy Chapel of Ocean Park, WA; son Michael (Mim) McConnell of Sitka, Alaska; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private inurnment will be in Fairview, Montana. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.