Helen Arlene McKinney

They all called her Grandma, and it was what she lived for. Helen Arlene McKinney, 81, was born on October 31, 1933 in Palouse, WA to Hubert and Vera Proctor. She stepped from this place into the freedom of heaven, where there are no more tears, on January 21, 2015. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ted McKinney, her parents, and her brothers Dean Proctor, Clifford Proctor and Lee Proctor.

Helen and Ted dedicated their lives to ranching in Deary, ID and later in Huntington, OR until Ted’s death in 1983. They spent the winters for many years on the Snake River above Asotin, WA, crossing the river to Asotin for the boys to go to school. She loved the cows and the lifestyle that ranching afforded. Taking care of her home and helping out in the pasture kept her happy and content. Helen shared endless stories of calving heifers and harrowing trips across the Snake River to their winter headquarters. There was never a dull moment. Following the sale of the Rye Valley Ranch in Huntington, Helen relocated to Ontario, OR and then Payette, ID to live near her sons and grandchildren. Her life revolved around her family.

Helen is survived by her sons Doug McKinney (Lori) and Bruce McKinney (Maryanne); granddaughters Kayla Thomas (Brett) and their daughter Codi, Kendra Marvin (Kurt) and their daughters Kelsi and Quinci, Kerri Schnider (Jake) and their sons Hunter and Charlie and Sterling McKinney; grandsons include DJ Taylor (Wendy) and son Ty, Jerry Taylor (Julia) and his children Alysia, Riley and Angelina; sisters Mary Gustin (Melvin) and Irene Lunsford (Dale); brother Leslie Proctor (Eleanor); brother and sister-in-law Ed and Shirley McKinney; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She delighted in each of them and made sure they knew she loved them.

We would like to thank the many friends and family who came alongside Helen over the years. Linda Cochran, Tammy Jacobs and Larry & Nancy Kelly, along with all of her other trusted friends and neighbors who watched over her. Your watchful eyes helped her feel safe and loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Luke’s Treasure Valley Foundation Children’s Hospital (https://stlukeshealthfdn.thankyou4caring.org/), or Shriners Hospitals for Children (http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/en/donate).

Visitation will be held at the Deary Community Church at 1pm (PST) on Friday, January 30th, funeral service at 2pm (PST) with burial following at Pine Crest Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to Helen’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.