Betty Rae McPhail, 1940-2021

Betty Rae McPhail, 80, of Lake Wales passed away Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 at Winter Haven Hospital.

"Go see Betty McPhail down at Napa, she'll get what you need" or perhaps if you were a friend of her Daughter, Misty, it was "Misty's Mom, Betty" or "Momma Betty". Whether it was with auto parts or practical life advice, Betty would set you straight with her no-nonsense approach. Betty McPhail's life didn't come to an end with her death. As Misty held her hand as her Mother passed from this earth, she left us with her legacy. We will honor her legacy by remembering to live our lives to the fullest.

Born July 23, 1940 in Mapleton, MN to the late Ray and Charlotte Strong, Betty moved to Lake Wales from Key West in 1968. Betty retired from NAPA Auto Parts and was well known in the community as "Betty from NAPA", holding many levels of positions in her career. Upon her retirement, she devoted her time to the simple pleasures she loved. Betty would always make certain to call you on your birthday, you never found Betty without a book nearby, and working in the yard and growing plants to the envy of anyone who saw her work. Betty worked hard all her life; both in her career and as a single mother. Betty made it look easy in her quiet and consistent way. Betty was always reliable with a heart of gold, always giving, never asking for anything in return.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Misty Sangster of Augusta, Georgia; grandchildren, Justin McPhail and wife Kim; Sadie Sangster; Shelby Sangster; and Canton Sangster and fiancé Lexi; and great-grandchildren, Lilly, David, and Eli. Betty is survived by her sisters, Nita McClay and husband Jeff of Cambridge, Minnesota, and Barbara Worley and husband Tony of Idaho Falls, ID; brothers, Charlie Strong and wife Nancy of Lexington, SC, and Carol Tony Strong and wife Kay of Dandridge, Tennessee. Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Strong.

Per Betty's wishes, no services will be held. She requested everyone to remember her as she was. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.