News

It is with a heavy heart that we report that Betty Deeley, 92, passed away in the early morning of December 29. Betty had been ill recently, but passed peacefully in her sleep with her granddaughter, and beloved cat Maxie, by her side.

Mrs. Deeley, or 'The General' as affectionately called, was fervently passionate about the game of golf. She was a member of McConnellsville Golf Club for nearly 70 years and loved to play competitively, especially in member guests with her close friends. In 1973, fellow McConnellsville member and dear friend Dave Harden recruited Betty to join the New York State Golf Association. In 1974, she was named to the Executive Committee, where she served for over 30 years.

Clearly evident through her commitment to the game was the passion Betty held for women's golf. In her first full year as a NYSGA member Betty was given the responsibility of chairing the NYSGA Girls Championship, which she continued to do lovingly for the next 42 years. She also added the NYSGA Women's Championship to her chair responsibilities in 1980. She was immensely proud to have chaired 78 championships, a truly amazing accomplishment.

Betty worked tirelessly to grow both of these championships, making phone calls to recruit young women, who she would forever call 'her girls', from all over the state to come and participate in her championships. The friendships she made with these players lasted a lifetime, and she has kept in touch with many of 'her girls' over the years.

What Betty will be remembered for most is being the 'NYSGA Ambassador'. For the past 40 years, she volunteered in registration, starting, and scoring at all NYSGA championships for both men and women. She was the first person to welcome you when you arrived to the golf course, to wish you luck on your round, and then she was there to pat you on your back after a long day on the golf course. Her smile and laugh was always a welcome sight after a good round, but even more importantly after a bad one.

For her years of dedicated service to the association, Betty was inducted into the inaugural class of the NYSGA Hall of Fame in 2012. It was an honor that she cherished. But she always said the greatest honor she had was being able to watch so many of her girls grow up to be 'such fine young women'.

A service in her memory will be held at the LaRobardiere Funeral Home (109 Main Street, Camden, NY 13316) on Saturday, January 2 at 1:00pm. Calling hours will be held prior to the service starting at 11:00am. You can leave a note of condolence to her family, or possibly one of your favorite stories about your time with Betty, by clicking here.