Betty Athey

Published 9:42 am Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Betty Mae Athey, 89, went to be with her lord on Sunday, June 29, 2014.

Betty Athey

Betty Athey

Betty was born in Ida Grove, Iowa, to the late John and Priscilla Hargis. She graduated from Albert Lea Senior High School in 1943. Upon graduating she moved to Seattle to work as “Rosie the Riveter” in an airplane assembly factory until the end of World War II.

She married Lloyd D. Athey on Dec. 26, 1945, and they moved to Albert Lea where they lived and worked until they retired to Ocala, Fla., in August 1980.

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Her faith was an important part of her life as she was a member of Central Christian Church for over 32 years. She also loved spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; siblings Zora Crane, Dwane Hargis, Mabel McAilwain, John Hargis Jr., Irene Dorman and Roger Hargis; along with grandchildren Michelle Wilkinson and Joseph Hall.

She is survived by her brother, George Hargis, of  St. Paul; daughters Patsy Wilkinson, Cindy Schad and Kris Hall of Ocala; grandchildren Lisa Miller, Jason Wilkinson, John Wilkinson, Bram Schad, Amanda Tice, Shelby Hall and Brittany Hall; 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters.

The viewing will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, with the Rev. Chuck DeBardeleben of CenterPoint Church officiating. A private family interment will take place at the conclusion of the service. Memorial gifts may be sent in care of Amanda Tice, 8590 SW 66th Terrace, Ocala, FL, 34476.

Arrangements are with Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services.