NEWCASTLE – Betty Anna Rumney passed away Nov. 1, 2019, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia. She passed away very peacefully surrounded by her daughters and loved ones.
Betty was born May 29, 1937, to Earl Allen Slagle and Harriet Ann Baker Slagle. She went to school in Lance Creek and graduated High School from Lusk. She earned her diploma from the Assessor’s School at The University of Wyoming in 1958.
Betty married, and from this union adopted her nieces, Terri, Nancy, and Sandra and the,n in 1965, Harriet was born. In 1969 Betty married the love of her life, Raymond Rumney. They moved to the family ranch on the Cheyenne River and later developed the Rumney Ranch North of Newcastle in 1971. Betty had a love of numbers, accounting and tax preparation. Together Betty and Ray opened the first H&R Block in Newcastle in the early 1970’s, which later became known as Rumney Accounting. She had a strong work ethic and loved the challenges of ranch life. Betty was very generous and frequently shared her love of bookkeeping with others.
One of Betty and Raymond’s greatest accomplishments was helping to develop the Cambria Water District. Betty’s greatest joys were traveling to see family, crocheting, sewing for her family, and driving her four-wheeler REALLY FAST! Betty’s motto was “If one is good, 10 is better.”
Preceding Betty in death were her husband, Raymond Rumney, her parents, and her brother, Earl. Betty is survived by her daughters, Terri Peterson of Newcastle; Nancy Rumney of Bismarck, N.D.; Sandra (Richard) Pfaff of Gillette; and Harriet (Brian) Birkley. Her grandchildren, Toni Rhoades of Broken Arrow, Okla.; JD (Cindy) Rhoades of Newcastle; Katie(Kevin) Logan of Bismarck; Justin (Tori) Pfaff of Gillette; Charlene Pfaff of Gillette; Heidi (Mike) Molitor of Hot Springs, S.D.; Wes Birkley (Chloe Coy) of Newcastle; and Brice Birkley of Newcastle; and her 13 great-grandchildren who brought great joy to her later years.
The celebration of Betty’s life will take place at the Weston County Senior Center on Nov. 9, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. Lunch and refreshments will be served with friends and family after the service. Memorials can be made in Betty’s name at the Weston County Senior Center and In Faith Wyoming Ministries (Camp Grace). Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 S. Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com
