Betty (McGraw) Arnold

Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Arnold, 90, of Clearwater went to live with the Lord on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.  She was born on June 24, 1922 in Macomb, Illinois to William and Vivian VeNard McGraw.  She attended Western Illinois University and worked in Washington, DC during W.W. II.  She married Francis Arnold on July 31, 1944 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Macomb, Illinois.  The happy couple lived in Macomb and Carbon Cliff, Illinois before relocating to Clearwater, Florida in 1964.  Betty was involved in volunteer work at St. Cecelia's School and Church.  She participated in the St. Cecelia Bowling League and T.O.P.S. for many years and was also an 11 gallon blood donor.  Her favorite pastimes were bowling, reading, playing cards and working puzzles.  She is survived by her husband, Francis, of 68 years and their 7 children: Paul (Corinne) Arnold, Clearwater;  Ruthanne Arnold, Peoria, Illinois; Patrick Arnold, Huntersville, NC;  Mary (Mike) Sullivan, Merchantville, NJ; Margaret (Mark) Prater, Clearwater; John (Brenda) Arnold, Clearwater; and Teresa (Paul Dworkin) Hill, Clearwater; 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her brother, William McGraw II.  Cremation will be handled by Rhodes Funeral Directors, Inc.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Cecelia Church, 820 Jasmine Way in Clearwater.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to Pilgrims Peace Center, P.O. Box 1439, Crystal River, FL 34423-1439 or to St. Cecelia Church. 

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