Elizabeth Maxine (Cunningham) Meikle, “Betts”, age 80, died peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2018, after a lengthy illness, while residing with her daughter, Mary Beth Fitzgerald and family in Owings, MD.

Betts was born April 7, 1937, to the late Alexander and Jessie Cunningham and was raised in New Cumberland, WV. She graduated in 1955, from New Cumberland High School, where she was a cheerleader and was a member of the debate team, drama club, and yearbook club. On May 3, 1958, Betts married the love of her life, the late Phillip “Terry” Meikle.  They started a family and lived in their beloved Park Meadows home for 50 years. Betts began her career as a receptionist at a dental office and then worked as a telephone operator before becoming a waitress at the Cap and Whip Club at Mountaineer Race track, formerly Waterford Park.  She eventually became the Hostess at the Cap and Whip Club and retired in 1993 after 27 years there.  She was also a co-owner of Village Fashions.  Her most cherished job, however, was being a Mother and Grandmother. She lived in the New Cumberland area for over 78 years and was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Prior to moving to Maryland, Betts resided at The Peachtree Inn in Chester, WV, and loved her time there.

Family was Betts' passion and she was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  She and Terry traveled extensively throughout the US to visit them as often as possible. In addition, Betts' favorite pastimes were going to the casino, cheering on the Mountaineers & Steelers, bird watching, feeding the hummingbirds and spending time with Max, her dog and faithful companion for the past 8 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Hugh (Doris), Russell, James (Jeanne), and Donald Cunningham; sister Patricia (Thomas) Myers; and brother-in-law Thomas Meikle. She is survived by her children: Cassie Battle, Alexandria, VA; Adrienne (Justin) Mains, Crescent, OK; Stephanie (Dr. Andy) Naymick, Hanover, PA; Phillip (Dr. Suzanne Nash) Meikle, Weston, MA and Mary Beth (Kevin) Fitzgerald, Owings, MD. Elizabeth had twelve grandchildren: Craig (Shayla) Battle; Makailyn (Jason) Dillon, Makensie (Josh) Fields, Sarrah and Jarret Mains; Dr. Andrew (Bethaney) and Adam Naymick; Olivia and William Meikle; Declan, Mairead, and Lochlan Fitzgerald; and three 3 great-grandchildren: Tux Dillon, Axton Fields, and Camden Battle. She is also survived by her two loving sisters Sara (Ronald) Bondo and Mary (Ronald) Weekley, two sisters-in-law Rose Cunningham and Ruth Meikle and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service is planned at Arner Funeral Chapel, 607 Carolina Avenue, Chester, WV, on Monday, January 15th, at 10AM with light refreshments immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to http://calverthospice.org/make-a-gift/ or send to: Calvert Hospice, Donation for: Elizabeth Meikle, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Our Mother/Gramma was a rare gem—a beautiful and loving person inside and out, and we will miss her terribly. As a tribute to our beloved Mom, we ask everyone who knew her, to pay it forward or show an act of kindness to someone today.

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