Bette Neil

Bette J. Neil, 101, formerly of Tama, Iowa, passed away on May 22, 2025, in Johnston, Iowa. She was born in Tama on April 17, 1924, to the late Charles and Anna (Lacina) McClure. She graduated from Tama High School. Bette dated Adrian Neil in high school and following WWII they were married on June 26, 1946.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband who were married for 68 years. Bette is survived by her daughter, Ann (David) Proctor and son, Brian Neil and Paula Rose; grandchildren: Adrienne Proctor (Lance) Stroik, David Bradley (Tricia) Proctor and great grandson, Jackson Stroik; sister, Pat (Robert) McClure Conrad, of Reinbeck, Iowa, and brother, Jack McClure, of Tama, Iowa.

In 1971, Bette and Adrian moved to Wisconsin where Adrian became President and Chairman of St. Nazianz State Bank while Bette worked for Chicago Title Company. Bette’s love of golf kept her and Adrian playing countless golf courses throughout Wisconsin. Time away from work and golf Bette was mastering new food recipes and scouting out Wisconsin supper clubs. She had a knack in convincing restaurants for sharing their secret ingredients.

Bette and Adrian retired in 1985 and moved to Florida. She didn’t skip a beat playing golf at least three days a week. Trading in snow boots for sneakers Bette enjoyed the southern lifestyle.

Bette moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in 2014 retiring her golf clubs, cook books and personal recipes for nonstop card games, bingo and occasional outings to local restaurants. No doubt Bette believed in moving forward. Growing up in Iowa, on to Wisconsin, loving the Florida lifestyle for close to 30 years and returning to her home state of Iowa. A life well lived!

Memorial services are private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to make a memorial contribution to donate to the American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345 or go to https://donate.cancer.org Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com