Betty Neel Whitledge, 100, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, peacefully at her home.

She was born June 18, 1924, in Doe Run, Missouri.  Neel was the daughter of the late Socrates Robinson Neel and Nina Lenore Vogt Neel.  She was united in marriage to E. A. "Dick" Whitledge on August 20, 1950.  He preceded her in death on July 22, 2013.  The couple was married 62 years.

She attended Bonne Terre High School in Missouri and Stephens College and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Home Economics.  Neel taught art at Henderson County High School for 25 years before retiring in the early 1980s.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by seven brothers, David, Charles, Francis, John, James, Russell, and Robert; and one sister, Laura Isabel DeGuire.

Neel is survived by many nieces and nephews, friends, and caregivers, including devoted friend and caregiver, Vicki Haire, and dedicated friend, trustee, and executor, David Hatchett.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home, 604 Center Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.  Dr. Chuck Summers will officiate.  Entombment will be in Fernwood Cemetery Mausoleum in Henderson, Kentucky.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be may to First Christian Church of Henderson or St. Anthony's Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.