Elizabeth "Betty" O'Neal Giboney

Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neal Giboney, 100, of New Castle passed away peacefully Friday, January 25, 2013 at her residence following a brief illness. She was born January 18, 1913 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of Corwin Reed and Norma Dorothy (Collas) O’Neal.

Betty studied dance with Mdme. Feodorova at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and following the summer of 1931, when she danced with the Cincinnati Opera Ballet, she moved to New York City to pursue her dancing career. Soon after arriving in New York, she went on tour with Fanchon & Marco, “Idea” in 1931-32. From 1932-1939 she danced in Gae Foster Roxyette at the Roxy Theatre, and also danced in several Warner Brothers pictures made in New York. She then worked as managing editor of the magazine for Gibbs and Cox, naval architects and marine engineers. While in New York, Betty attended Traphagen School of Fashion from 1938-1941, and also attended Columbia University and New York University, studying writing and journalism.

After moving to New Castle in 1945, Betty began her career at The Courier-Times on December 1, 1945 as staff writer and proof reader. Later, she served as farm editor, county editor, and held other positions, which spanned over 45 years of service at the newspaper, retiring in 1991.

A lover of animals, especially her cat, Mr. B, Betty was a member of the Henry County Humane Society, of which she served as the first president. She was also a member of the Indianapolis Humane Society and the Humane Society of the United States, the National and Eastern Indiana Audubon Society, College Club, P.E.O., Chapter H, and a literary club. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle for over 50 years, and was a regular patron of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, where she held season tickets for over 20 years.

Along with her husband, and many years after his passing, Betty traveled the entire United States and world extensively, traveling to every continent, including Antarctica, as well as staying in Barrow, Alaska and reaching North Cape, Norway, the most northerly point of Europe. She took her last excursion at age 88 when she spent three weeks in India.

Among the entire community and abroad, she leaves to cherish her memory, a step-granddaughter, Dorothy “Dodi” (husband, Bill) Michael of North Las Vegas, NV; several great and great, great step-grandchildren; and many, many close friends, whose friendship she cherished.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David F. Giboney in 1977.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with the Reverend Arthur Whitaker officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the funeral home. Betty will be laid to rest beside her late husband, David, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hillsboro, (Fountain County) IN.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Humane Society, 11 Midway Drive, New Castle, IN 47362 or the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Attention: Amber Jett, 32 E. Washington Street, Ste. 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204 with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may express a condolence or share a memory of Betty at www.hinsey-brown.com .