Betty Sue McConnell

Betty Sue McConnell, formerly of Holbrook, Arizona, died Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia following a lengthy illness. She was 87 years old. Betty was born on Friday, November 7, 1924 in Gate City, Scott County, Virginia to the late Nathan Washington and Laura Helen (McConnell) Dougherty. Following her high school graduation, Betty married her sweetheart, Earl McConnell. Earl was a hard working man throughout his life and, literally, by the sweat of his brow, made a comfortable living for Betty by working in the construction industry. Earl and Betty were willing to go wherever work was to be found. Because of the many places they lived while following the construction industry, Earl and Betty were nearly able to live from coast to coast and several places in between. Some of the places they called "home" were in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, California, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and finally were able to move to Arizona in 1974 when Earl began working at the Cholla Power Plant right outside of Holbrook near Joseph City. Even following her retirement, Betty was never one to be idle. While living in Holbrook, she began to work for Dale Phillips at his Holbrook Truck Plaza, and quickly became a familiar and friendly face to many of the truckers that passed through town, working as a sales clerk there. Also, she was a faithful member of the Assembly of God Church in Holbrook and thoroughly enjoyed her friendship with its pastor, Pastor Skinner. During what spare time she had, Betty could frequently be found at the many bowling alleys in the towns where she lived. She LOVED to bowl and was quite expert at it! Betty also knew tragedy throughout her life. She had to endure the anguish of a mother, who lost her only son, Gary, as well as her husband, Earl who was the true love of her life. She did, however, find comfort through her faith in The Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and spent many hours, on bended knee, in prayer seeking His peace. In addition to her parents, son and husband, Betty was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Elna Dougherty Moody, Wilma Doughterty McConnell and a brother, Paul Dougherty. She is survived by a brother, Nathan W. Dougherty, Jr. and his wife, Nella Hale Dougherty of Gate City, Virginia; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and numerous great-grand-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a most devoted former daughter-in-law, Freda Mabe and her husband, Jeff of Dryden, Virginia who, so tenderly and lovingly took care of all of her needs for the past several years. Lastly, Betty leaves many friends that can be found throughout the country and each will remember her in their own special way. The funeral service for Betty will begin 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at the Assembly of God Church, 500 Mission Lane in Holbrook, Arizona. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Holbrook Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest along side her loving husband, Earl. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Betty's name to the Holbrook Humane Society, 1211 Westover Avenue, Holbrook, Arizona 85941.