Elizabeth "Betsy" Deal

Elizabeth “Betsy” Deal, 89 of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at Parker Personal Care Home on April 1, 2025.   Betsy was born in Eau Claire on January 30, 1936.  She was the daughter of Clarence and Mary Elizabeth Polm.  She grew up alongside her sisters and brothers on the family farm affectionately known to this day as “the hollow”.  She graduated from Allegheny Parker High School in 1952 as the youngest member of her class at the age of 16.  

After graduation, she worked at the Level Works in Parker for several years before marrying the love of her life, Harry Deal, on September 21, 1963.  Together they had two children Kent and Beth.  Spending her time as a homemaker, Betsy was a wonderful cook.  Known for making the best banana bread, pies, stuffed pork chops, meatloaf, and a most excellent Thanksgiving feast, her meals will always be remembered.

After raising her family, she worked at Buss’s Greenhouse and along with her sisters took excellent care of their mother.  Betsy also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and had a passion for sports.  She played softball, winning the local league as a third baseman along with her daughter, Beth.  Betsy and Harry loved watching their grandchildren play any and all sports.

Also, an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, she could throw a spiral that would interest the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Betsy was also known for being an expert rifleman shooting many big bucks over the years and as the story goes several nuisance snakes with a pistol.     

Later in life she developed dementia and was lovingly cared for by Harry until he passed a year ago. They were married for sixty years.

Loved ones to cherish her memory, son Kent (Stephanie) Deal of Boyers, and her daughter Beth Deaton of Maryland.  Betsy's beloved grandchildren Michael Deal of Boyers, Alyssa (Stewart) Kelly of Florida, Erik Deaton of Maryland and Zachary Deaton of Maryland, and her three great grandchildren Colt, Jackson and Scarlett Kelly.  Sister-in-laws, Billie Jean Bernlohr of Butler, Helen Polm of Eau Claire and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Charles Polm, Bill Polm, Eva Jane Ruth, Kate Blauser and Dolores Grove.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and Betsy’s friends at Parker Personal Care Home and Aseracare hospice.

The Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, Clintonville, PA is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  Services will be private.  Friends can leave condolences by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net

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