Elizabeth M. “Betty” McKinney

Elizabeth M. “Betty” McKinney, age 101 years 8 months and 2 days, passed away Friday morning, December 22, 2023 at the home of her granddaughter, Liz, where she resided.
Betty was born April 21, 1922 in Mansfield, Ohio to the late Joseph R. and Harriet K. (Smith) Lawrence. A 1939 graduate of Lexington High School, Betty furthered her education by attending Mansfield Business College. As Betty would say, she served her life as a “professional volunteer”- a career at which she was outstanding. For over 46 years, Betty volunteered at Shelby Hospital which took her through the merging of Shelby Memorial Hospital to MedCentral Shelby Hospital and, eventually, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Shelby and was proud to also serve on the Board of Directors for Flat Rock Care Center for many years.
Betty is survived by her son: Loren McKinney of Lexington; grandchildren: Phillip (Katie) McKinney, Joshua (April) McKinney, Elizabeth McKinney, Wenona (Scott) Wichlinski, and Joe Stankiewicz; and great grandchildren: Kiersten, Owen, Cameron, Eli, Tatum, Mathias, and Everett. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years: Dale J. McKinney in 1994; son: Edward James McKinney in 1950; daughter-in-law: Christine McKinney in 2012; and brother: William J. Lawrence.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 1-2 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 2 pm. Rev. James MacDonald will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875 or Flat Rock Homes via their website (https://www.flatrockhomes.org/make-a-gift/).
Additionally, the family would like to extend their gratitude to Freedom Caregivers, Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, and her special caregivers Janie Dixon, Linda Sharp, and Tina Lotz.
Online condolences may be left on Betty’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Sorry to hear about your mom.
Mary Lou Troxell Ruckman
Loren,
Sending sympathy to you and your family. No matter what age you are it is hard to lose your mother.
Amy
Betty was a force to be reckoned with. Her service to her community is amazing.
Our sincere condolences to Betty’s entire family.
Sincerely,
Jim and Barbara Eakins
Sorry to hear about the passing of Elizabeth McKinney! She had a wonderful & long life! May she soar with the angels & rest RIP !
My deepest condolences Loren.
My family, John and Madline Fagan, were Betty and Dale’s neighbors on Mickey Road, then I married in 1962 and moved into my own home. I remember what wonderful people Dale and Betty were. My husband did a couple small jobs for her when she was still in her home on George Hawk. She also was a mentor when I became a Gray Lady at Shelby Hospital many many years ago.
She was such a caring person and I know she will be missed. Barb (Fagan) and Jan Kaple
Loren, I’m very sorry for the loss of your Mother. I loved her dearly.
She was a very Special Lady to me. ♥️♥️ to You and Your Family!
Dear Family of Betty, I know this faithful lady is resting in peace in her new heavenly home. She will forever be remembered as a kind neighbor and friend to our family. Much Love and Condolences, Pat Miller, daughter of Sally and Gene Crall
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing…sending many thoughts and prayers during this time to you and your family.
Loren,
Thinking of you and your family May your many happy memories help to sustain you through the difficult days ahead. Your mother was a true servant of the church and the community.
Fondly,
Joann
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I have many fond memories of “Uncle” Dale and “Aunt” Betty! Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Fond memories of Betty in the Blackfork Players days. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. – Janet, Drew, Jeff, Marijan, Meredith
Liz… I remember you bringing your grandma to church. You drove that big truck and would carefully help your grandma using the stool you brought. You were the perfect grandchild and Betty loved you and appreciated you so much.
I worked with Betty at Shelby Hospital. She would always come to my desk wanting the “water list”. She was a hard worker and had the most beautiful blue eyes. Gods been waiting on her. Peace for all….
The Mckinneys and my grandparents,Rev. Stanley and Eleanor Shoemaker were very good friends back in the 50’s and beyond! Great memories of Betty from The First United Methodist church! What a lady, the true meaning of a disciple. May she rest in peace having served beyond measure ❤️
Julie
Loren, I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s death and hope your many memories ease your loss. She certainly lived a long life! Aunt Ruth told me about some of her many volunteer activities. I remember that she was an excellent seamstress and and liked seeing her at the McKinney Thanksgiving feasts. My folks, Alice and Bob Hart, loved visiting yours.
To all of Betty’s family – Betty was one of my mom’s (Pat Downs) dearest friends, and was a wonderfully kind and gracious lady. I have so many great memories of her as a constant presence in church activities and outings with mom. May you know that she will be remembered and missed by many people!