Betty Jane Mackie

Betty Jane Mackie was born on Nov. 3, 1937, in Reagan, to Essie and Hugh Kirkpatrick.  Growing up on a farm, she raised an award winning heifer and activities like skinning chickens, squirrel and rabbit hunting, and frog gigging, were just another day in the country.  

And then came Grant.  Her senior year of high school, she met and married the love of her life.  At seventeen, she left the farm for the first of many, in a life full of adventures.  As an Air Force wife, she set up households stateside as well as Japan, Germany, Egypt, Singapore, and Australia. She loved and excelled at entertaining, from small gatherings of family and friends, to large formal affairs for officers and diplomats.  

She loved singing with the family on road trips and jitterbugging with Grant to Glen Miller tunes.

Betty had a beautiful smile and a distinct, infectious laugh - both of which she generously shared.

She was a loving mother to three children and a loyal, dedicated and adored wife for 66 years.  She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends scattered across the country.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Bill and Linda Sue Kirkpatrick; and daughter, Beverly Mackie.   

Betty is survived by husband, Grant Mackie; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Jack Campbell; son and daughter-in-law, Hollis and Tim Mackie; three granddaughters, Meredith Campbell and Avery and Emerson Mackie; and brothers, Weldon and Jack Kirkpatrick.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, May 17, from 1-3 p.m. at The Ridglea Senior Living in Fort Worth.  Should you wish to make a donation, please consider the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Stand Up to Cancer.

 

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553