Betty Marie McKown

Betty Marie McKown, 99, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Born May 10, 1926, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Rollin and Grace (Ormiston) Reese. She graduated from Arcola High School with the Class of 1944. On June 29, 1947, she married William John McKown. Betty was first employed with General Electric and in 1969, she began working at Whitley Memorial Hospital and retired as a supervisor of the Food Service Department at the age of 82. She was a member of Oak Grove Church of God, the INEABI Home Ec Club, NEO, and the National Dietary Managers' Association. Betty loved watching Lawrence Welk. Camping, embroidery, going on cruses and traveling where she collected spoons and thimbles were also activities she enjoyed. In her later years she became an avid reader and while attending her grandchildren's sporting events she always had a book to read. Betty is survived by her children, Kathlene (Noel) Johnson; Tim (Cindy) McKown and Bob (Lillian) McKown; daughter-in-law, Dena McKown; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and her dog Bridget. Along with her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Bill McKown in 1976; sons, William "Bill" John McKown, Jr. and Mike McKown; grandchildren, Emily Suzanne Johnson and Hannah Marie McKown; and four brothers. Funeral service will be 12:00 pm, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 S Raber Rd, Columbia City, with visitation two hours prior. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Betty to Oak Grove Church of God Building Fund. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Betty's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.