Betty E. Chaney, known to her friends as Eileen, passed away June 7, 2005 at Regency Care Facility of Oak Harbor at the age 81. Eileen was born Dec. 23, 1923 in Indianapolis, Ind. to Freeman and Lola Byfield. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from North High School in 1942.

Eileen became a telephone operator and worked in Phoenix, Az. There she met her husband to be William R. Chaney. They were married in 1944 in Glendale, Calif. Eileen enjoyed her life as an Air Force wife living at military bases in Texas, South Carolina, Guam and Japan. She especially enjoyed her time in Japan while she studied Ikebana, the Japanese flower arranging technique.

Bill and Eileen retired in 1970 and moved to Auburn, Calif. During their retirement they enjoyed touring the country in their GMC motor home, including trips to Whidbey Island. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1989. Eileen was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor.

Eileen is survived by her family, R. L. “Ron” and Carol Chaney of Oak Harbor. Her husband William R. “Bill” Chaney preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Eileen Chaney will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Larry Rector of First United Methodist Church officiating. Private burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.