STALEY, Betty Louise (Flagler) - d. December 13, 2019

[patyrn]

Betty Louise Staley, 86, passed away peacefully in her home in Prescott Valley, Arizona surrounded by family on December 13, 2019.  She was born and raised in Howard, Kansas to Floyd and Opal Flagler. 

Betty took great pride in her Kansas roots and would always proudly proclaim that she was a "tough farm girl".  She graduated from Howard High School and married fellow Howard High School graduate, Howard Staley, in 1955.  They were happily married for 58 wonderful years.  Not long after their wedding, Betty and Howard moved to Phoenix, Arizona for a job opportunity and to start their family.

Betty was a self-proclaimed "Jack of All Trades: and appropriately held a variety of jobs through her life.  She talked most about her time spent working in Young's Radiator Shop.  She was also very involved with the local YMCA and with her children's school as PTA President.

Betty had many passions in her lifetime but was most known for her love of cooking, gardening, sewing, camping, fishing, and riding dirt bikes.  She passed most of her hobbies on to her every growing family, and in retirement, she enjoyed cheering on her grandkids and great-grandkids at the motorcycle races most weekends.

Betty is survived by her son, Frank Staley of Peoria, Arizona; her daughter, Gail Porter of Prescott, Arizona; five grandchildren, Melissa Merrill, Ryan Staley, Derik Staley, Crystal Pierce, and Jennifer Mevissen; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Merrill, Paige Merrill, Braxton Staley, and Brayden Mevissen; her sister-in-law, Jean Barber of Iola, Kansas; one nephew, Barry Barber; and two nieces, Brenda Bumgardner and Belinda Bertincino.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Opal Flagler; her brother, Floyd "Jake" Flagler; and her husband, Howard Staley.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Prescott Valley, Arizona on January 11, 2020.  In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

(published in the Prairie Star - 01/01/2020)