Alma Beth Mcdermott

Alma Beth McDermott, of Anaconda, passed away November 16, 2013 at St. James Hospital at 12:40 a.m. from complications of surgery. Visitation will be held at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Chapel in Anaconda on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1300 West Park, Anaconda, on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop John Wolfe officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Beth was a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints and a deeply spiritual person. Beth was born in Anaconda to Howard Hamel and Rhea (Burke) Hamel on December 3, 1943. She attended and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1962. She went on to earn her certification as a Computer Entry Operator from Butte Vocational Technical Center. She had various work experiences as an Accounts Payable Clerk in the Clerk and Recorder's Office in Anaconda. She also worked as a Utilities Clerk at the Anaconda Water Dept., Deputy-Treasurer in the Anaconda Treasurer's Office, Data Processor at the Dept. of Justice at the Registrar's Bureau in Deer Lodge, an Assessing Clerk at the Anaconda Courthouse, and worked in the Medical Records Dept. at the Montana State Prison. She ultimately retired, then began caring for her grandson and her daughter-in-law's elderly grandmother. Beth married Dale McNeil and they had two children together, Shelly McNeil and Scott McNeil. They divorced and she later married Paul McDermott and they had two children, Micki McDermott and Shawn McDermott. Beth's life was one of giving to others. She had a deep love for all children as well as her family. They were the source of her happiness in life and she selflessly gave of herself to them, helped them, and was a constant source of support in their lives through good times and bad. She was especially close to her nephew, Craig Nichols, and niece, Heather Nichols. Beth's pride and joy was also her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. They were a source of pride and enjoyment for her. Beth also spent several years with John Street, who was with her through thick and thin and helped raise her two younger children. Beth especially enjoyed traveling and being with her family. She also loved being with friends and socializing. She enjoyed riding on the back of her dear friend's Harley Davidson. She liked snowmobiling and decorating her home with things she loved. She was always adamant about doing the right thing, being honest, fair, and lived her life with integrity. It saddened and angered her to sit by and watch the injustices some people did to others and she was passionate about fighting for equity and justice. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Rhea Hamel, daughter Micki McDermott, brother Richard Hamel, sister Dawn McAndrews, ex-husband Dale McNeil, her husband Paul McDermott, niece Rebecca Mason, her longtime partner John Street, brothers-in-law Curtis Peterson and Loren Schlaeppi and numerous aunts and uncles. Beth is survived by her daughter Shelly McNeil, sons Scott McNeil and Shawn McDermott. Her sister and best friend Linda Nichols, brother-in-law Robert Nichols, niece Heather Nichols, nephew Craig Nichols, sister Eunice Schlaeppi, Gary, Helen, and Patricia McDermott and their families, grandchildren Cara an Shelby McNeil, Justin McNeil, Sierra McNeil, Brayden McNeil, and Olivia McQueary. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She will be missed. Memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation

NOV 20. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (MST)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Service

NOV 21. 10:30 AM (MST)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1300 W. Park Ave. Anaconda, MT 59711