In Memory Of
Betty Caroline Mckellips
1926
2017
Betty Caroline Mckellips
February 16, 1926 — April 2, 2017
Betty Caroline Higgins McKellips, 91, of Byers, Colorado, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on a beautiful sunny Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Valley View Villa in Fort Morgan, Colorado.
Betty was born on February 16, 1926, to Thomas & Carrie Higgins, in Towner, Colorado. She was the youngest of 12 children. Betty's mother passed-away when she was eight years old. She then lived with her father and/or some of her older sisters throughout the remainder of her growing-up years.
She was united in marriage to Norvin "Mac" McKellips on October 10th, 1943. In August of 1944 they welcomed a daughter, Carlyn "Carrie", and in May of 1946 a son, Larry. They all lived in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado until November 1950, at which time they moved to Deer Trail, Colorado. Betty & Mac owned and operated the "Red and White" grocery store, later known as the "Deer Trail Mercantile". They then joined the Associated Grocery Firm, and the store was then known as the "AG Store". They closed down the grocery store one year before the "Flood of 1965". Betty moved to Byers, Colorado a few years later and continued working in and around that area until her retirement.
Betty was a charter member of the Deer Trail Jockeyettes, a women's club whose main purpose was to organize and put on the parade before the world famous Deer Trail Rodeo each year. At the ladies' monthly meetings, a good time was always had by all. It was not uncommon for there to be many outbursts of laughter throughout the evening, which was a product of the stories and jokes they shared with one another. They really knew how to kick up their heels and enjoy each other's company, especially during the annual Christmas Parties with their spouses.
She always enjoyed being around family, friends, and her kid's friends. Living all of her life in small towns, the close knit bonds of these communities were a good fit for her. She loved spending any free time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Flower gardening was another of her favorite pastimes, and she especially enjoyed her rose garden.
Betty is survived by her two loving children, Larry of Byers, Colorado, and Carrie (Ed) of Fort Morgan, Colorado; three grandchildren, Darin (Denise) Thorn of Gunnison, Colorado, Dana (Troy) Allen of Arvada, Colorado, & Devin (Alisha) Thorn of Akron, Colorado; six great-grandchildren, Baylie (Harry) Surjono of West Covina, California, Lynzee Allen of Arvada, Colorado, Tyler Thorn of Otis, Colorado, Kiley Florian of Otis, Colorado, Erick Thorn of Otis, Colorado, and Jarryd Smith of Akron, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Thomas & Carrie Higgins, by six brothers and five sisters, and Norvin McKellips.
A Graveside Service will be held in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, on April 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery, with a luncheon following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Betty's name to:
Susan G. Komen Colorado, 50 South Steele St, Ste. 100, Denver, CO. 80209.
To share a memory of Betty or to leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Betty was born on February 16, 1926, to Thomas & Carrie Higgins, in Towner, Colorado. She was the youngest of 12 children. Betty's mother passed-away when she was eight years old. She then lived with her father and/or some of her older sisters throughout the remainder of her growing-up years.
She was united in marriage to Norvin "Mac" McKellips on October 10th, 1943. In August of 1944 they welcomed a daughter, Carlyn "Carrie", and in May of 1946 a son, Larry. They all lived in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado until November 1950, at which time they moved to Deer Trail, Colorado. Betty & Mac owned and operated the "Red and White" grocery store, later known as the "Deer Trail Mercantile". They then joined the Associated Grocery Firm, and the store was then known as the "AG Store". They closed down the grocery store one year before the "Flood of 1965". Betty moved to Byers, Colorado a few years later and continued working in and around that area until her retirement.
Betty was a charter member of the Deer Trail Jockeyettes, a women's club whose main purpose was to organize and put on the parade before the world famous Deer Trail Rodeo each year. At the ladies' monthly meetings, a good time was always had by all. It was not uncommon for there to be many outbursts of laughter throughout the evening, which was a product of the stories and jokes they shared with one another. They really knew how to kick up their heels and enjoy each other's company, especially during the annual Christmas Parties with their spouses.
She always enjoyed being around family, friends, and her kid's friends. Living all of her life in small towns, the close knit bonds of these communities were a good fit for her. She loved spending any free time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Flower gardening was another of her favorite pastimes, and she especially enjoyed her rose garden.
Betty is survived by her two loving children, Larry of Byers, Colorado, and Carrie (Ed) of Fort Morgan, Colorado; three grandchildren, Darin (Denise) Thorn of Gunnison, Colorado, Dana (Troy) Allen of Arvada, Colorado, & Devin (Alisha) Thorn of Akron, Colorado; six great-grandchildren, Baylie (Harry) Surjono of West Covina, California, Lynzee Allen of Arvada, Colorado, Tyler Thorn of Otis, Colorado, Kiley Florian of Otis, Colorado, Erick Thorn of Otis, Colorado, and Jarryd Smith of Akron, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Thomas & Carrie Higgins, by six brothers and five sisters, and Norvin McKellips.
A Graveside Service will be held in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, on April 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery, with a luncheon following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Betty's name to:
Susan G. Komen Colorado, 50 South Steele St, Ste. 100, Denver, CO. 80209.
To share a memory of Betty or to leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Caroline Mckellips, please visit our flower store.
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