Betty Jean McCullough McKay

Betty Jean McCullough McKay, 86, of Othello, WA, danced her way into heaven on January 21, 2013, at home with her children by her side. Betty was born May 10, 1926, in Idaho Falls, ID, to Irish immigrants Martin & Virginia (Simpkins) McCullough.

Betty grew up in Shelley, ID, on the family farm along the Snake River. She attended Riverside Schools and graduated from Shelley High School in 1944. Betty was a cosmetic consultant for C.C. Anderson, now Macy's, traveling the Pacific Northwest. In 1948, she married Edgar William McKay. They began farming in the Roza Project in Prosser, WA, in 1949. While in Prosser, they began their family with the birth of their son Shannon (1949) and daughter Tamara (1951). In 1955 Betty and Ed made their home in Othello, where they raised their children, leveled land, farmed, and raised Cattle.

Betty's love of God, and a servant of his compassion, led her to be instrumental as a source of strength and a ray of light to many. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she taught high school Bible classes, and the Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Betty established the first officially recognized PRCA Miss Rodeo Washington Program, and coordinated this program for several years. She and Ed bred and raised very successful quarter horse and thoroughbred racehorses, racing throughout the west coast. She and her husband were co-founders of the Sun Downs racetrack in Kennewick, WA. When the Othello Rodeo Association moved to its current location, Betty and Ed were instrumental in establishing the existing venue and providing a home to the Adam County Fair.

Betty always had flair and an elegant sense of style, whether it was her love for turquoise jewelry, a snazzy headband, entertaining, or decorating. Betty's artistic touch came across in all that she touched. But above all, Betty adored her family. She loved sharing the adventures and experiences of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She had great pride in her Irish heritage, maintaining ties with family in Northern Ireland.

Betty is survived by her husband Ed of nearly 65 years; son Shannon (Joleen) McKay of Othello, WA, and daughter Tamara Sackett of Kennewick, WA; grandchildren Stacy (Leonard) Aune of LaCrosse, WA; Michael (Paula) McKay of Othello, WA; Sean Sackett of Scottsdale, AZ; and Sara (Kane) Gardner of Pasco, WA; great-grandchildren Austen Montgomery of Kennewick, WA; Ashtyn, Gunnar, Abree and Gage Aune of LaCrosse, WA; and Rylee and Myles McKay of Othello, WA; sister Phyllis Tallant of Boise, ID; beloved brother Robert (Shirley) McCullough of Othello, WA; numerous nieces and nephews; and Robert (Guadalupe) Campos Family, Othello WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Martin McCullough.

A Celebration service will be held on Monday, January 28 at 12:00 p.m. in The Cedars Restaurant, 355 Clover Island, Kennewick WA.

Memorial suggestions: Tri City Union Gospel Mission, in her name.