Betty McNeal Obituary

Betty Ann McNeal, 73, of Canton, Pa., passed away Monday morning, March 2nd, at the Athens Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born September 4, 1951, in Troy, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Richard and Isabell (Covey) Johnson. She was a 1970 graduate of Elmira Free Academy and was a homemaker for a large portion of her life. When she was younger, she was a Brownies Leader, worked at American Silk Label, was a weekend housemother at Martha Lloyd Community Services, worked at Shop Vac., and worked in a personal care home in Milford Ohio.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and playing video games with her children and grandchildren. She always put others before herself, and she taught Felicia how to ride a bike. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up, visiting with family under the shade of the trees in the yard, going for walks, planning picnics, and going swimming. When she was well, she was an avid reader and enjoyed writing short stories, including one that was published in the newspaper about the old oak tree in her parents' front yard.

Betty loved listening to rock and metal music and enjoyed going to see bands live. She liked visiting with her friends and making crafts. She enjoyed playing bingo with her peers and winning prizes. She always looked forward to getting together for family meals and spending time with everyone. She used to sew often, making clothing for her daughters when they were little. She enjoyed watching cooking shows and anything Sci-Fi, especially Doctor Who. She loved cooking for her children and grandchildren, waiting on them hand and foot, and baking whatever they requested. Maddie's favorite things to make and eat with her were pea salad and gingersnap cookies. She loved gardening, growing flowers, and caring for animals.

Betty was a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a wonderful, caring woman, and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet her.

Betty is survived by her children, Marie McNeal of Granville Summit, Michelle Young of Troy, Richelle Stein of Rome; Her brother, Richard and sister-law Lisa Johnson of Milford Ohio; sister-in law, Denise Johnson of Chula Vista, Calif.; grandchildren, Kevin Young (Alani), Felicia Young, and Madison McNeal-Buchanan (Zach), Derek, and a future grandson - Jupiter; great-grandchildren Aubriella and Jaxson. She is also survived by the staff and her friends at the Athens Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother, her grandparents, her parents, her brother Robert Johnson, son-in law Charles Stein, and grandchildren Dakota and Thomas, a great-grandson Logan, and many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends may call from 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Pepper Funeral Home in Canton. A celebration of Betty's life will follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty's name may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Memories of Betty and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.

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