Betty Howard McKinney Roberts obituary

Funeral service for Betty Howard McKinney Roberts, 95, of Barling, Arkansas, is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro, with Brother Johnny Holderfield and Bob Pryor officiating. Burial follows at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Betty was born June 15, 1931, in Rock Island, to Pearl (Hargrove) Howard and Arnie Howard. She passed away Aug. 17, 2026, in Barling, Arkansas.

She married Charles McKinney on Sept. 4, 1948, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 1982.

Betty was a talented seamstress who made sewing her career, and she also found great enjoyment in quilting. Through the years, her hands created many beautiful things, but the greatest work of her life was the love she poured into her family.

Her faith was an important part of who she was, and her love for Jesus remained strong throughout her life. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now joyfully reunited with her Lord and with the loved ones who were waiting to welcome her at Heaven’s gates.

Above all, Betty loved her family. She treasured each generation and was especially proud and blessed to see her family grow to six generations. From her children to her great-great-great-grandchild, each one held a special place in her heart, and the love she gave them will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Survivors include her daughters, Iris Whitworth and companion Jeff Hutchinson, and Kathy Wiles and husband Eddie; son, Billy McKinney and wife Elvie; sister, Peggy Hudson; grandchildren Sheri Pettigrew, Michael Pettigrew and wife Evelyn, Amy Pettigrew, Dustin McKinney and wife Crystle, Clynt Wiles and wife Ashley, Chastin Wiles and wife Cheyenne, Brandi Hicks, Crystal Chivers and husband Chris, and Curlee Blaylock; 21 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her three husbands; granddaughter, Karla Blaylock; brothers Joe Howard and Ed Howard; and sister, Shirley Pryor.

Pallbearers are Betty’s five great-grandsons and her great-great-grandson. Honorary pallbearers are her five grandsons.

Visitation is Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.

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