Theresa Marie Neal, 79, of McGregor, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Ascension Providence Hospital of Waco. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with the Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church followed by burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, in West.
Theresa was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Joseph and Lyda Mae Negahnquet. She grew up on the East Coast and in Oklahoma. After graduation from Macomb High School in 1962, she moved to Santa Monica, California, where she met William Henry Neal. They were married in Oklahoma City, February 18, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Throughout her life with Bill, they lived in Indiana, California, New York, Arkansas, Arizona, and Texas. Theresa was an active member of the Reachout Ministries, St. Rita’s Extraordinary Ministries to the homebound, and Legion of Mary. She was a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Tribe and a parishioner at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church.
Theresa and Bill were always on an adventure. Along with her children, they especially loved being outdoors. From backpacking in the Sierras, skiing in Lake Tahoe, houseboating on Lake Powell, river rafting, and relaxing on the beach, they were always on the go. Additionally, they traveled all over the world together and with loved ones. She especially loved traveling to Las Vegas (often a few times a year!). Her hobbies included art, photography, storytelling, quilting, slot tournaments, games, trivia, and an occasional bet on the ponies. Theresa was competitive and excelled at word games and puzzle solving; there was no beating her. She loved watching classic movies and playing King’s Quest, ISpy, and other spooky computer games with her grandchildren. She truly had an eye for design and had the ability to put together beautiful family gatherings and parties. She always made it nice and did it right!
Theresa was a devout Catholic and unwavering in her faith. She shared her love for God with everyone and had strong values full of charity. She spoke with conviction and told you like it was. Not one to mince words, you knew what she said is what she meant. She was smart, funny, and loving.
Her love for her husband, Bill, of 59 years, her children and being “Mama” to her grandchildren meant the world to her. Family was everything. She loved her grandchildren and they loved her even more. She was incredible. Together, they created the most amazing memories that will not be forgotten. They were her pride and joy.
She spent her last few years in Waco. With both her children down the street and her sister/partner-in-crime, Jo Nell, minutes away, she was surrounded by family and truly loved by us all.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Marie; her parents, Lyda Mae and Joseph Negahnquet; her brother, William Negahnquet; her sister, Kathryn Hallam; and her sister-in-law, Martha Jo Dull.
She is survived by her husband, William Neal, of McGregor; her son, Joseph Neal and wife, Kristina, of McGregor; her daughter, Ursula Bumpass and husband, Michael, of McGregor; her grandchildren, Mary Diamond and husband, Austin, Madeline Bumpass, Monica Bumpass, Erika Neal, Nicholas Neal, Christian Neal, and Joseph Neal; her great-grandchild, Theresa Anne Diamond; her sister, Jo Nell Negahnquet, of Waco; her brother, Stephen Negahnquet and wife, Claudia, of King George, Virginia; her sister, Lyda Rebecca Stinnett and husband, Dorwin, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her brother, Thomas Negahnquet and wife, Shirley, of Oklahoma City; her sister, Susan Panter and husband, Ron, of Carson, California; her brothers-in-law, Rick Dull, of Albion, Indiana, and James Neal, of Kendallvile, Indiana; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Theresa was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. She will be missed by all, but not forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rita Catholic Church, 1400 E. Owens Street, Show Low, AZ 85901.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
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