Mary Elizabeth Beth Neese

Mary Elizabeth Beth Neese, 64, Indianapolis, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at Hoosier Village Heathcare Center in Indianapolis following a year-long battle with cancer.
She was born on May 2, 1946, in Anderson, Indiana to Manfred and Alma (Meeker) Neese.
She graduated from Lapel High School in 1964 and received a BA in Slavic Languages and a MA in Education from Indiana University.
After teaching Russian language in middle schools in Gary and Medford, OR, she began a long and multifaceted career in U. S. Government and governmental relations in 1973, based in Washington, D. C. She was a legislative assistant to two California congressmen during the 1970's, and then began representing financial institutions through trade associations and private groups, including the American Bankers Association. Her expertise included banking, budget, health, tax, and strategic planning. In 2004, she became Vice-President of Government Relations for the Indiana Bankers Association, where she served until her retirement in 2008. She was an author on government issues, particularly taxation, for several state and national publications.
Her life's contributions and avocations include--service to her political party, photography, world travel, piloting private aircraft, and a particular dedication to her friends and family.
She is survived by a sister, Emily (husband, Jim) Sisson of Maplewood, MN; a brother, David Neese of Philadelphia, PA; six nieces and nephews, Jane Sisson, Julia (husband, Mark) Alness, Donna Lynn (husband, Mark) Eliason, Thomas (wife, Pamela) Sisson, Geoffrey D. Neese, and Natasia Pomparelli; ten great-nieces and nephews; several cousins; and an circle of loving friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Sandra Neese; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Neese; and her beloved dog Princess.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, October 10, 2010, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home in Lapel with Pastor Doug Barton officiating. Private family burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery, Lapel.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Sunday, October 10, 2010, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lapel High School Class of 1964 Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 964, Lapel, Indiana 46051-0964.

.