July 6, 1935 - May 1, 2024
On Wednesday May 1, 2024, as the sun was setting, Betty (Elizabeth) McKinley peacefully crossed over with her family present to say goodbye.
Betty was born on July 6, 1935 in Washington, DC to John Henderson Smith and Edna Elizabeth Clayton. She grew up in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Arlington, Virginia. Betty graduated from Washington Lee High School and the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse and started her career of caring and service in Arlington, Virginia as a pediatric nurse for a private practice.
In 1958 Betty met John Cox McKinley, an active duty Naval Officer stationed in Washington DC. They married in 1960 and shortly thereafter moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, as John transitioned from active duty to federal civil servant. There they started their family with the first two of three sons, David and Mark.
Betty returned to Arlington, Virginia when John’s career called him back to Washington. Betty took this opportunity to return to pediatric nursing with her previous employer as she raised the family and welcomed their third son, Keith. After 19 years, they retired and moved to Loveland Colorado in 1987.
In addition to nursing, Betty was dedicated to the National Ski Patrol. For over 25 years she provided care and service to injured skiers. Over that time she served at Bryce (VA), Massanutten (VA), Hidden Valley (CO) and Snowy Range (WY) ski areas.
As an avid bowler, Betty participated in league competition wherever she lived.
Betty contributed much of her free time in service to charitable organizations. Participating in local chapters of P.E.O. Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization), Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and Mountain View Presbyterian Church.
Betty is preceded in death by her brother Jack Smith, sister Mary Garner, and son Keith McKinley.
Betty is survived by her loving husband John; son David and wife Jessica; son Mark and wife Lisa; five grandchildren: Michaela, Matthew, Emily, Mary, and Maggie; and her sister Dorothy Madden.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 4-6:00 p.m. at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home. A private family interment will be held at the Eaton Cemetery. A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to P.E.O., to be used for their educational fund, in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home
