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Betty Jane Mackey was born Jan. 7, 1932 in Globe and died July 25 in Tucson. Betty was pre-deceased by her husband Ed Mackey, parents Helen and Barney Watson, and grandson Jeremy Feeney. She is survived by her children Bill Mackey (Jean) and Cathy Feeney-Katzke. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren Ryan (Aimee), Janelle (Andy), Sean (Erica), Adam (Nicole), James (Colette), Megan (Jason), Erin (Cisco) and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Betty lived a rich life filled with love and many accomplishments. She was a great Mom who along with Dad was the first to volunteer to chaperone the Bantam Bowlers for a weekend away tournament, be a Cub Scout leader or take a whole group of girls for many weekend camping trips in the Pinals with her Cadette troop. She baked cupcakes for school parties and bake sales for the PTA. She proudly attended all the sports, plays, awards ceremonies and other activities that Bill and I were involved in.
Betty was also a highly skilled and gifted R.N. for many years at Gila General Hospital mostly in the emergency room till she had to retire unhappily due to medical reasons. If you were ill or in an accident, you wanted my Mom to be the one on that night as she was so dedicated to caring and helping her patients. She devoted herself to continuing education especially in emergency medicine and heart health taking many continuing education seminars and classes to provide the best care for her patients. Betty loved her Gila General family. Even after she had to retire, Mom was always available to help those in need with home health needs, blood pressure checks, rides to the doctor’s office and anything else that she could provide.
Once Mom and Dad retired, they were busier than when they both worked, attending community events, church activities, and helping others whenever they could. Mom continued her devotion to the community after Dad died, continuing to do as much as she could. She never stopped wanting to give whether it was providing a scholarship to the summer theater youth productions, serving on the Alumni Scholarship committee, high school reunions, or any other community need. She enjoyed the community concerts and often volunteered to provide rides so others who no long drove could attend as well. Her favorite was the Gila General Hospital reunion picnic every year till she could no longer do so.
Our Mom was known for her sense of humor, dedication to others, and always had a ready smile for all. She loved spending summers at her cabin in Pinetop and loved taking a break on the porch when she wasn’t busy with some chore. She will be remembered by many by her signature jeans and sweatshirt even when it was 100 degrees out!
Private graveside services will be held at this time for family only.
A Celebration of Life will be held later when it is safe to do so post-COVID for all of us to celebrate the special lady that she was.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
