Betty Jane Pinkston McDowell, 89, passed away peacefully July 9, 2014 at the Callaway District Hospital in Callaway, Nebraska.
She was born on February 17, 1925 in a sod house near Arnold to Homer and Leona Cook Pinkston. She graduated from Arnold High School with the class of 1941. After graduation she taught school in the sand hills north of Arnold.
On March 14, 1942 she married Robert Lavern McDowell in Grand Island, NE. They celebrated their 66th Anniversary in 2008. They had 3 daughters, Sandra, Jane and Betty Jo. She lived on the McDowell ranch for 66 years where she was a partner in the farming and ranching operations. Bob and Betty developed a guest ranch with fishing lakes, hunting and homemade meals. Besides the ranch she was employed by Arnold Jack and Jill grocery store and she also operated the Arnold Swirly Top. While her daughters were in school she was active as a Girl Scout Leader. Through the years she was a 4-H supporter, 4-H parent, grandparent and 4-H Council member.
Her hands were never idle because she was always, knitting, crocheting, quilting, or creating needle point works of art. Friends and family were often recipients of her beautiful needlework.
One of her joys in life was time spent with her dog Rudy. He was her constant companion. Her family was very important to her and she loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sandra (Roger) Stockall of Hershey, NE and their son Justin (Tonya Hoelting) of Scott City, KN and daughter Jane (Richard) Hornung of Arnold NE, their children Holly (Scott) Remund of Arnold, NE, Heidi (Joe) Hornung-Scherr of Lincoln, NE, Adam (Nicole) Hornung of Hong Kong, and Heather (Kyle) Schroer of Lincoln, NE and grandson Sam (Holly) Sennett of Omaha, NE, sister in law, Mildred Pinkston of Arnold, NE; great grandchildren Sawyer Hornung-Scherr, Seneca Hornung-Scherr, Sadie Hornung-Scherr, Rio Remund, Riata Remund, Rayce Hornung- Relka, Scout Schroer, Syler Sennett, Mya Sennett, Ada Hornung and, Mae Hornung; and step great-grandchildren Tyler Remund, Emily Remund, Paul Remund, and Paige Hoelting.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter, Betty Jo Sennett, brothers John and Gene Pinkston, sister in law Fannie Pinkston, sister, Ena Maroney and parents Homer and Leona Pinkston.
Memorials are suggested to the Arnold Rialto Theater, Arnold Fire and Rescue, and Custer County 4-H Horse Committee.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
Services will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the Arnold Community Building at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be on Monday, July 14, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends at Carpenter Memorial Chapel and on Tues from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the services at the Arnold Community Building. Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte is in charge of arrangements.