In Memory of Betty Foley
Betty J Foley, age 96, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Betty Bradshaw Foley obituary
Betty Foley woke up every morning singing “Home Means Nevada.” Her daily outpouring of love for her state was only surpassed by her love for her family.
Betty Bradshaw Foley died on May 30, 2024 at the age of 96. Born in St. George, Utah on June 21, 1927, she was the fifth of seven children of Ruben and Ethel Bradshaw of Elgin, Nevada. Betty's grandfather arrived in Nevada and homesteaded the Elgin Ranch in 1864, the year Nevada became a state. Betty's maternal ancestors developed the polygamist community of Bunkerville, Nevada in 1877, where her great grandfather Dudley Leavitt, boasted five wives and 56 children. Upon earning her teaching certificate at the University of Nevada, Reno, after WWII, Betty returned to Elgin to teach in the Elgin One-Room Schoolhouse, which is now part of the Nevada State Park System. She delighted in sharing family Ranch stories until the end.
At the University, she met a dashing veteran, Joe Foley, and embarked on a life of adventure. In 1950, they married at St. Anne Catholic Church in Las Vegas and immediately began their family delivering 9 babies in 10 years at St. Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson. Her sister, Kathy McDaniel, and her tribe of four were always included in all Foley activities. The family moved to 15th Street in 1955 to be close to St. Anne’s and Gorman High School where there were 47 kids on the same street who attended the nearby Catholic schools.
Betty was very active in the Service League of Las Vegas, PEO, Home of the Good Shepherd Auxiliary and the St. Anne PTA. She also participated in a bridge club for more than 50 years which included many of Las Vegas' original matriarchs.
There wasn't a soul who didn't adore her. Known for her compassion, love, gourmet cooking and very quick wit, Betty and Joe were boat people and spent most weekends on Lake Mead. They taught all the kids and their friends to water ski. Betty always welcomed extra kids to hang out on the boat or on 15th Street for dinner. She was a mom to so many of her children’s friends. She had a fun sassy side, was an unapologetic winner at Spite and Malice card game, and loved to shimmy her shoulders as family and friends sang Patsy Cline songs and “Home Means Nevada.” Betty was known for her famous wink or squeeze to let you know she loved you.
She is survived by six children: Jeanne Clarke (Will), Helen Foley, Kathleen Meyer (Rex, deceased) Dan Foley (Diana), Patrick Foley (Julie), and Shannon Foley Lyman (Rick), 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The family gives special thanks to Jay, Lori and Shayne who provided her with loving care in her final years.
Family and friends will say farewell and celebrate the last “15th Street mom,” who was also the last Bradshaw and Foley of her generation, Friday night June 7 at 5-7pm - visitation Palm Mortuary, 1325 N Main Street, Las Vegas and Celebration of Life Mass on Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
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