Beatrice Ann McNelly

Beatrice Ann McNelly, also known as Kathy to many, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2009, in Moses Lake at her home with her children and longtime friend and caregiver Ramond Rallo by her side.

Bea was born on Nov., 27, 1957, in Picher, Ok., to Juanetta Lea Swinehart and Jack Dephis Gilbert.

Bea has two sisters, Leona Maydean Gilbert and Betty Jean Whited, and three brothers, Jimmy Dean Gilbert, Johnny Lee Swinehart and Charles D. Swinehart.

She was married at a young age to Larry Smith. Larry and Bea had one daugther, Myra Villarreal.

In 1984, she moved to Moses Lake with her current husband, Kohler McNelly Sr. Together they have three surviving children, Bea’s daughter, Joy Collette, their son, Kohler McNelly and daughter Marilyn Copple.

Bea had a variety of career paths. Her most loved was as a Can caregiver. She spent several years caring for the elderly. Her final and most loved position was at Samaritan Hospital. Her compassion and desire to help others was tireless. She was so generous with her love and care that it extended beyond her professional life. There are many people that she helped on a personal level. Her love of family has extended to include friends of her children. She is survived by her husband, loving children and grandchildren: Samantha Salinas, Grace Sanchez, Sebastian Villarreal, Josiah McNelly, Daniel Copple and Kohler McNelly III.

Services will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at 3 p.m. at Harvest Manor Club House with reception to follow.