The family of Betty Mae Skelley is deeply saddened to announce her passing Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the age of 90.
Born January 5, 1936, in Cumberland, Md., Betty was the daughter of William and Iva Bonner George. She grew up on Valley Road, surrounded in love by her parents, and nine surviving siblings, Hallie Sherlock, Nevada Reed, Glenda Spicer, Joyce Voithofer, Judy Johnson, Billie Bicanich, John George, and William George, and one deceased brother, Wilbur George.
Betty was a deeply devoted mother, whose love knew no bounds for her children and grandchildren. She loved baking pies and cookies for them. She was skilled at gardening and homemaking. Betty liked to bowl and, in her younger years, could dance very well, especially the twist. Her children have many memories of her dancing in the living room and singing songs. She loved to read, especially Danielle Steel. Betty was known for her boundless energy and was proud of being a hard worker, even in her childhood, weeding the family garden and washing her dad’s car.
Betty was the manager of S. and S. Auto Electric in Cumberland, a business she started with her husband, the late Joseph F. Skelley. She retired from S. & S. Auto and moved to St. Louis, Mo., where she tended bar at Hatfield’s for her brother, Wilbur, as she schooled the locals in shuffleboard.
She is survived by their children, Deborah Shepherd and husband Dr. Richard A. Shepherd, Joseph F. Skelley III and wife Marife, William P. Skelley and wife Linda, and Michael L. Skelley; along with her beloved grandchildren, April Lantz, Kelly Shepherd, Rick Shepherd, Sarah Skelley, Brittany Bradley and husband Rick, Brandi Skelley, Johnathan Skelley, Michael Skelley, Cody Skelley, Stephanie Mendival and SaraJoy Mendival. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderful brothers and sisters-in- law, who brought her much joy.
She is also predeceased by her grandchildren, William Skelley and Samantha Skelley; the love of her life, Howard Stewart, who made her feel special and treasured; and Buddy, her beloved cat, who stayed by her side.
A gathering to honor Betty’s life and her heavenly reunion with those she loved will be at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, 10 S. High Street, Morgantown, WV 26501, Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m., with Pastor Junius Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
