Mary Van Pelt-Neely

Mary Elizabeth Van Pelt Neely, 74, died Saturday, March 8, at her home in Springdale after a long illness. Born May 4, 1933, in Creston, Iowa, she was the daughter of Frederick LeRoy Van Pelt and Dorothy Elizabeth Walter Van Pelt. She attended High School in Corning and Creston, Iowa. After graduating from Creston High School in 1951, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, trained at Lackland and McCord Air Force Bases, and was assigned to the USAFB in Wiesbaden, Germany during the Korean Conflict. She was married to fellow serviceman, William Patrick Neely of Siloam Springs, Arkansas from 1953 to 1986. Upon her return to the U.S. in 1955, she enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where, under the Korean GI Bill, she completed an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science in 1957. She later expanded her occupational education at a Northwest Arkansas Realtors School, obtaining an Arkansas Realtor's License in 1977. She established her first home in Siloam Springs and was a member of the Coterie Fortnightly Club, as well as the Primavera Garden Club, from 1958 until relocating with her family to Fayetteville in 1972. In 1973, she entered employment with University of Arkansas Residence Dining Services and was promoted to Assistant Manager, in which capacity she served from 1975 through her retirement in 1997. As a resident of the Fayetteville/Springdale area for 36 years, she dedicated many volunteer hours to community and her home church, University Baptist in Fayetteville. She was a devoted mother, sister, and friend, known for her determination, generosity, unselfish concern for others, and enthusiasm for travel. Survivors include one daughter, Dot Neely and husband, Jami Lockhart of Fayetteville, Arkansas; two sons, Bill Neely and wife, Connie Willis Neely of Springdale, Arkansas; and Van Neely and wife, Patricia Elsea Neely of Fayetteville, Arkansas; two brothers, Rick Van Pelt of Creston, Iowa; and Richard Van Pelt of Lincoln, Nebraska; one sister, Vicki Van Pelt Stewart of Maryville, Missouri; six grandchildren, Todd O'Dell of Monroe, Washington; Stefanie Ann Gideon of Springdale, Arkansas; Stephanie Cozette and Natalie Faith Neely of Springdale, Arkansas; Amanda Harviston Scopa of Vandenberg AFB, Santa Maria, California; and Andrea Baird of Centerton, Arkansas; and one great grandchild, Brooke Elaine O'Dell of Monroe, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Tunis Clark Van Pelt. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held Monday, March 17, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville with Dr. H. D. McCarty officiating. Arrangements for interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Corning, Iowa are pending. Contributions to the University Baptist Children's and Outreach Ministries, 333 West Maple, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (www.ubcfayetteville.org) and Ventures for Christ, P.O. Box 9474, Fayetteville, AR 72703-0025 (www.venturesforchrist.com) in lieu of flowers are requested. Plans are underway to establish a Non-Profit Foundation at the University of Arkansas in Mary Van Pelt Neely's name. Further information regarding the Foundation will be made available in forthcoming posts.

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Mary Van Pelt-Neely

May 4, 1933 - March 8, 2008