Betty J. McKinniss, age 81, of Marion died peaceably Wednesday morning, February 6, 2013, at Partners of Marion Care Center surrounded her family after a period of declining health.
Betty was born on December 7, 1931, in Radnor, Ohio to the late David G. Wagner and Dorothy B, (Keeler) (Wagner) Foos.
On October 18, 1948 she married Carroll “Mac” McKinniss who preceded her in death on October 22, 1993.
She will be dearly missed by her five children: Ted (Kathy) McKinniss, Marion, and children Jennifer (Edgar) Layne Jr. and Brad (Erica) McKinniss; Paul (Linda) McKinniss, Caledonia, and children Heather (Brett) Caserta; Deborah Honaker, Marion, and children Terry (Amber Amrine) Honaker and Brent (Nikki) Honaker; Vicky (Edward) Wells, Marion, and children Michael (Jessie Campbell) Harter, Bobi Wells and Brad (Laurie) Wells; Rebecca Swartz, Marion, and children Kyle and Morgan Swartz. Also surviving are her stepbrother Allen (Janet) Foos and her stepsister Roberta Wallin.
Not only was she devoted to her children and grandchildren, but she also loved spending time with her sixteen great-grandchildren and the many others she unofficially adopted and loved over the years, including her lifelong friend SanDee Tidd. She will be missed for her unconditional love she shared with all she took under her wing and befriended.
Betty and her late husband “Mac” may best be remembered for their many years of devotion to Marion Baseball for Youth helping to build a program that served thousands of boys and girls throughout the community.
Betty will also be remembered for her appetite for hard work. As an employee and one time owner of Patten Street Market on Marion’s north side, patrons would stand in line for her famous potato and ham salad made from scratch. After the sale of the market, she worked for Henney & Cooper and then Rite Aid for a combined thirty-four years. Known by her short stature, blond hair, and constant smile she was a mainstay in downtown Marion. She reluctantly retired at age 78 only because her legs could no longer take the long hours behind the counter.
The family will greet friends from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday February 8, 2013, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center Street, Marion. Services of celebration for her life will also be held there beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Kiger officiating. Burial services will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery, Brush Ridge.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors 347 West Center Street Marion. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com
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