Betty Royal

Betty Gianelo Royal, our loving Mom and Yiayia passed away on March 26, 2015 at the age of 90. Betty was born June 14, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Theodoros (Giannakopoulos) Gianelo and Marigo Sereniotis Gianelo, both from Greece. She was the youngest of 3 children and the only girl in her family. As a child, she was quiet and smart, and enjoyed learning about biology and history. She graduated from West High School in 1941, and at the outbreak of war volunteered her time at the arms plant helping make ammunition for the soldiers. In 1946, she met the love of her life, Harry Royal Jr., who had just returned from serving in the Army during World War II. She used to comment about how handsome he was and how blessed she felt to have him in her life. Harry and Betty were married on April 20, 1947. They were married for almost 67 years when Harry passed away in 2014.
Betty worked for many years at Glades Candy Company while she was raising her family. Harry and Betty had two children, Mary and Paul. Betty was known for going above and beyond to take care of and love her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a skilled cook, talented seamstress, and had a green thumb, especially with her crown of thorns plant she cared for for many years. She also loved to shop with her family at ZCMI and Nordstrom and could often be found in the St. John section looking at the newest fashions.
Betty was a faithful, devout Greek Orthodox Christian who would not begin a meal without doing her cross and loved going to church. She loved to listen to the lives of the saints and would often discuss the sermons the priests would give for days after. She had a heart that loved everyone, and especially, the least of God’s people. After church, she and Harry could be found at Little America having breakfast which was their favorite spot in Salt Lake.
One of the greatest memories she loved to talk about was the trip she and Harry made to Greece in 1976. Her eyes would light up as she would discuss the cruise on the Stella Solaris, and the ability to meet her cousins and visit family villages. She was a proud Greek American who would listen to Greek music and dance around the kitchen to the kalamatiano and rave about Yanni’s music. She will be greatly missed and forever loved.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Theodoros and Marigo Gianelo, her brothers, Gus and Angelo Gianelo, husband, Harry Royal Jr., and daughter-in-law, Jeanne Royal. She is survived by her children, Mary (Dan) Agrapides, Paul (Jeanne) Royal, 3 grandchildren, Tina (Plato) Pavlatos, Peter (Alexandra) Agrapides, Mary Royal, and 4 great-grandchildren, Dimitri, Sophia, George, and Isabella. We would like to thank Emeritus and Bright On for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.deseretmortuary.com. Funeral Directors: Deseret Mortuary.