"Betty was our next door neighbor when I lived in Imogene and when we both worked at Union Carbide in Red Oak she rode back and forth with me. Such a good lady, condolences to her family. "
Betty Delores McGargill, daughter of Lyman Richard and Clara Alberta (Slater) Torpy, was born of November 9, 1931 on a farm west of Imogene, Iowa. She passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Immanuel Fontenelle Home in Omaha, Nebraska.
Her early life was spent in rural Imogene on a farm. She graduated from St Patrick's Academy in 1948. She was united in marriage to Jody McGargill on May 28, 1949 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, followed by a Wedding Dance at the Community Building in Hastings, Iowa with Darrah's Orchestra playing. They honeymooned in Okoboji, Iowa then resided in Imogene, Iowa thereafter.
She worked at Murphy's Calendar in Red Oak, Iowa and then moved on to Union Carbide in Red Oak, Iowa where she retired in 1988. She then worked at the Imogene Post Office for years. She was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the St. Patrick's Altar Society, Nishna Right to Life, The Shenandoah Eagles, Member of the Imogene City Council and the PMS Investment Club of Imogene. She loved playing cards, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also really enjoyed listening to Jody, her husband, play the piano or organ.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jody, her parents, Lyman and Clara (Slater) Torpy, siblings Margaret, Viola, Lucy and John; and one grandson, Sean.
She is survived by her son, Michael McGargill, his wife Linda, daughters, Mary Ann Allen, her husband Larro, Cathy Eastwood, her husband Bob; Janette McGargill, Beth McGargill, Patty McGargill, Carolyn Foster and her husband Gregg, Jackie Talty and her husband Michael, Nancy Rulon and her husband Michael. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Betty's children. The Mass will be streamed on Facebook at St. Patrick Catholic Church - Imogene, IA on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., you must "like" the page before viewing.
A Memorial Mass will be held at a later for other family and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family. Memorials can be mailed to the funeral home (P.O. Box 395, Shenandoah, IA 51601) with attention to The McGargill Family on the envelope.
"Betty was our next door neighbor when I lived in Imogene and when we both worked at Union Carbide in Red Oak she rode back and forth with me. Such a good lady, condolences to her family. "
"Betty was a wonderful person. She always had a smile and cared for everyone. I have many fun memories growing up with all the McGargills. I loved the kindness and hospitality your mom always extended. My deepest sympathy to all Betty?s family and her many friends. "
"Dear McGargill Family, Betty was like my second mother growing up in Imogene. It was always so much fun to be at her home with all of you. Such fond memories of school, recess, church choir, May Days, Halloweens, "turkey shoots" in the church basement, bus rides to school in Farragut, the list goes on and on. Dwight drove the school bus one year when Jackie and Nancy were little. Big families were synonymous with Imogene back in the day, and we certainly benefitted from being part of them. Betty and Jody were Matron of Honor and Best Man at Mom and Dad's wedding in 1951. They got a head start on their family, but Hank and Mary caught up! May your memories of your Mom and the wonderful long life she lived give you comfort. Sincerely, Connie Durfey"
"She was never without a smile and a positive attitude. The world today could certainly use more people like Betty. My sympathy to her family."
"Betty was a sweet and caring lady. Always had a smile on her face. Lots of fun memories growing up in Imogene and hanging out at the McGargill house. RIP Betty. "
"aww, I loved Betty, we played cards and had good times with her and Sally. My condolences to all her great family."
"Our sympathies to all the McGargill children on the passing of their mom. Aunt Betty was a good person and good Aunt. Aunt Betty was kind and had great optimism and sense of humor. I can still remember good times visiting Imogene. Randy and Joyce Limbeck"
"To The McGargill Family, My prayers are with all of you! There were a lot of kids growing up side by side in Imogene. Your family, my family (Pelster's) and the Gray family. We had a lot of fun and your mom was so kind to us all. She worked hard and raised a great family!! Great memories and my thoughts are with you all. Patti Wetterlind"
"Betty was a sweetheart to me growing up! My grandma and grandpa Owens lived acrossed the street and I remember going over to visit all the time. Lots of thoughts, prayers and love to the McGargill family"
"To the McGargill Family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loving mother Betty. Some of my fondest childhood memories were visiting the McGargill home playing catch with Mike, and hours of fun and games. We were lucky to grow up in Imogene Iowa. Great memories! Prayers to the family. Bill and Pam Ditmars"
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May your hearts find comfort in God?s beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40"
"We are sending our prayers for your family. Betty was such a happy person to be around. I served on the Altar Society with her and she was always willing to do what was asked of her with such a great attitude. We at St. Patrick's will miss her. John and Peggy Martin"
"Never saw her without that smile.. She raised a wonderful family. She will be missed. Prayers to the family."
"I want all the family to know you are in my prayers, your Mom was so nice and always had a smile. Mary Rose (Perkins) Shedd"
"Cathy so sorry about your Mom she was a wonderful person. Prayers and hugs to you all. Rita (Perkins) Kennedy"
"Hugs and prayers to the McGargill family. ??? Gary and Pam Nebel"
"So Sorry to read of Betty's passing, Thoughts and Prayers to and for All. Bob and Robin Lynn "
"So sorry ??to all of the family ! We remember playing cards and her and Sally coming in every weekend and having chicken dinner and she was the only person Roger fixed liver and onions for one of her birthdays! She was an icon for Imogene !"