Betty Jean McKean

Betty Jean McKean was born on January 14, 1940, to Jerald and Ruth Rose of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, William Kenneth McKean, her brothers, Jerald Jr., Dorvan, James, Laurie, and Jack, and son-in-law, Gregg Olsen.

Betty spent her childhood growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was known for her incredible beauty, but at the same time was quite a feisty tomboy, having had five brothers to contend with. Yet, she was a compassionate and protective young girl who worried more about caring for her brothers than about her own welfare. She was a Sunday school teacher and an active member of her church.

Betty attended the historic West High School in Salt Lake City, and became a young mother to Deborah Jean in 1957. While working at Cooke’s restaurant in Salt Lake, she met a young man named Ken McKean, who instantly fell in love with her, and boldly asked for her phone number and a date. The date would have to wait, as Ken had to depart for a summer job in Alaska, but three months later, the first thing he did upon his return was to follow up on that date. Betty’s nervousness overwhelmed her, and she took flight to her room. A little coaxing lured her from under her bed and out for their date. It must have been successful, as they were married on February 3, 1960. In January 1961, Betty gave birth to her son, William Kenneth McKean, Jr.

After a time in Salt Lake City, her family was transferred to Costa Mesa, California, where they lived for 9 years. A short stay in New Mexico was followed by a 37 year adventure in Anchorage, Alaska.

Betty devoted her life to being a wife, a mother to Debbie and Ken, and the quintessential neighborhood mother. Many of the kids looked upon her as a second mom. When her children grew up and moved away, it was not unusual for her to offer shelter to a person in need. She was a spicy woman with a huge heart.

Later in life, Betty loved spending her time with her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her main interests in life were collecting vintage costume jewelry, clothing, and accessories, for which she became an expert, and caring for her Lhasa Apso dogs, Soogee, Singhi, and Chachee.

Betty’s final years were spent at Grace Assisted Living. She was very popular there among the caregivers, especially Johnny and Fran. They often stopped in just to visit her for a while and watch TV.

Betty is survived by her brother, Gary; many cousins; daughter, Debbie; son, Ken; daughter-in-law, Michele; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren

The family would like to thank the staff at Grace, and St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice for their excellent and loving care.

A graveside service will be held, 1:00 pm, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at the Pioneer Cemetery in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. 

Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City, Idaho. 208-853-3131