Obituary of Elizabeth I. McKinney

Warrensburg: Elizabeth “Betty” I. McKinney, 78, of River St., went into the arms of the Lord, Saturday evening, August 30, 2008, at her home with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Betty was the youngest of 13 siblings. Born on September 22, 1929, to the late Charles and Goldie (Putney) Reed. Betty attended different schools in the area. Upon leaving school, she met and married Charles R. McKinney on August 3, 1946. Betty was employed as a housekeeper for several years. She also co-owned and operated Abie’s Taxi for many years. Over the years, Betty enjoyed spending time dancing, league bowling and fishing with her friends and family. She enjoyed many hours playing her computer games. She also spent many hours with a very special friend, Maria, enjoying the new Nintendo Wii bowling game, of which Betty remains the champion with three perfect “300” games. She is predeceased by her husband, Charles who passed away in March of 1986; her second husband, Edward (Abie) Combs, Feb 1988; great-granddaughter, Danielle, passed away Aug. 30, 1998; her 12 siblings; and a very special nephew, James L Straight, who passed away on July 23, 2008. She leaves behind her five children: Harold McKinney (Beth), Rose Lomax (Tom), Michael McKinney ( Debra), Susan McKinney (Peter), and Ellie Wallace (Eric). Also a nephew, George McKinney, who was a part of her family. Betty was a loving grandmother to 17 grandchildren: Keith, Barry, Doug and Darren McKinney, Dawn Ovitt, Lisa Gundel , Lori Diaz, Jerid and Jamie McKinney, Jonathan and Bradley Rafferty, Kristin Riddick, Nicole Havens, Wayne Havens III, Rexford “Willis” Wallace, Kassie and Kaitlyn Poust. Betty has 22 Great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special niece, Patty Straight. Betty leaves a loving neighborhood where she resided for the past 10 years, and everyone always looked out for one another. The family would like to thank the Hospice group for their support, even though it was only for a short period. Friends may call on Betty’s family from 5 to 8 pm, Tuesday evening, September 2, at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg with services to follow the visitation at 8 pm with Flossie Bates officiating. Burial will take place 11 am, Wednesday, in the Warrensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the High Peaks Hospice or a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for the online guest book, condolences, and directions.