Beatrice Neale

Beatrice “Bea” E. (Kissel) Neale, 95 of Evansville, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Deaconess Hospice Center. Bea was born January 29, 1914 in Evansville, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Louise (Brenner) Kissel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Edward Neale in 1977 and her sister, Luella (Kissel) Neale in 1961. She was a longtime member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where she had been a member of the Altar Society. After graduating in 1930 from St. Boniface High School, Bea worked in the appliance sales office at Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Company in downtown Evansville. In her early years, she played the saxophone at school functions and in a local dance band that included her father. Mrs. Neale was an excellent cook. Some of her specialty dishes were baked corn pudding and her famous potato salad. In addition to preparing delicious family meals, she also enjoyed canning and baking. Bea was known for her mouth-watering cakes, which she carefully decorated for all occasions. She custom designed beautiful artwork for numerous special order cakes. Her hobbies included flower arranging and growing a variety of house plants. Mrs. Neale was a sweet and caring person and made many sacrifices while raising her children. Her deep faith in God gave her strength throughout her lifetime. Survivors include her nine children, sons, Ronald E. Neale and wife, Mary, of St. Philip, IN, Robert L. Neale and wife, Kay, of Fenton, MO, Daniel D. Neale, James L. Neale and Larry A. Neale, all of Evansville; daughters, Mary Lue (Neale) Russler and husband, Robert, Elizabeth J. “Betty” (Neale) Plump and husband, Richard, Rosie Neale, all of Evansville and Nancy Neale of Mt. Vernon, IN. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, Chris (Neale) Nelson of Evansville, Mike Neale and wife, Dale, Cindy (Neale) Wolfe and husband, Freddie, all of St. Philip, IN, David Neale and wife, Keiko of Tokyo, Japan, Stephen Neale and wife, Betty, Scott Neale and wife, Kerry, all of St. Louis, MO, Karen (Plump) Huff and husband, Bryan, Kathy (Plump) Osborne and husband, David, all of Mt. Vernon, IN, Bryan Neale and wife, Jen, of Indianapolis, Brad Neale and wife, Brandi, of Westfield, IN, Tami (Neale) Vernon and husband, Jason, of Fishers, IN, Jonathan Neale and wife, Erin, of Blue Ash, OH, Mickal (Neale) Ferguson, Chad Neale, Adam Neale, Zachary Neale and Allison Neale, all of Evansville. Also surviving are niece Teresa A. (Neale) Buedel and husband, Donald, of Evansville and nephew, Walter D. Neale, Jr. and wife, Laura of Oakton, VA and special friends, Nancy Barnett and Diana McCalla. Mrs. Neale is also survived by 17 great grandchildren, two step great grandchildren and several great nieces and nephews. The mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 12, 2009 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rev. Kenneth Herr officiating, assisted by Deacon Richard Preske. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where a memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M., led by Deacon Richard Preske. In memory of Bea, contributions may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 418 N. Wabash Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712 or to Deaconess Hospice Care Center, 600 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47747.

Beatrice Neale

January 29, 1914 - February 7, 2009