Betty Lou (Jones) Land-McKinney

Betty Lou (Jones) Land McKinney, born February 1, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away January 28, 2026, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of eighty-one years. She was the daughter of James and Marie (Lee) Jones and grew up in Houston, Missouri. Betty was united in marriage to Kennith Land on August 18, 1959, and shared twenty-six years before his passing in 1985. This union blessed them with two children: Vicky and Kenny Jr. Betty later met Buddy McKinney, and on December 31, 1988, they were united in marriage, sharing the past thirty-seven years, creating lasting memories. In Betty’s younger years, she worked at the International Shoe Factory until it closed. However, she was an entrepreneur at heart. In the 1980s, Betty owned a clothing boutique in Salem, Betty’s Jeans and Things. She later owned and operated several restaurants throughout the years, including Betty’s Cafe at the Lake of the Ozarks, B&B Country Kitchen in Licking, the Old Town Café in Edgar Springs, and the Red Hen Cafe in Salem, where she rarely, if ever, accepted payment from her grandchildren. Betty loved music. In her younger days, she enjoyed singing in a local band with friends. She wrote and recorded two country music albums. Betty loved shopping and going to flea markets and antique shops and was always looking for a good bargain. For a time, she had a small antique shop at her home. She also enjoyed playing bingo. Most importantly, she cherished her family and treasured spending time with them. Betty was well known for bossing her beloved husband, whether in the restaurant or at home. Above all, her faith was important to her, and she read her Bible, faithfully, every day. When she was a young girl, she attended the Pentecostal church in Anutt. In more recent years, she enjoyed watching and listening to John Hagee. Betty is survived by her loving husband: Buddy McKinney of Salem, MO; daughter: Vicky Pogue and husband Jeff Sr.; son: Kenny Land Jr.; stepdaughter: Erin Lee; siblings: Donna Schmidt, Nancy Hayes and husband Roger, Debra Lee, Jerry Jones and wife Teresa, Ricky Cantrell, and Bruce Cantrell and wife Tammy; grandchildren: Josie Lee, Mackenzie Lee, Josh “Bo” Land, Danielle Boyher and husband Michael, Tyler Land, Audreana Land, Missy Thompson and husband Steven, Jeffrey Pogue Jr. and wife Kim, and Dustin Pogue; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her first husband: Kennith Land Sr.; father: James Jones; mother: Marie (Lee) Jones Cantrell; stepfather: Lex Cantrell; sisters: Lena Flemming and husband Cecil and Wanda Hebitwaite Davis; brothers: Jimmy Jones and Steve Cantrell; and grandson: Adam Land. Betty, beautiful inside and out, was a gentle and loving soul whose warmth, laughter, generosity and smile brightened the lives of those around her. Her time with us was truly a gift, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who loved her. She will be deeply missed. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Betty McKinney to Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Leave the family a condolence on her tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Betty Lou (Jones) Land-McKinney

February 1, 1944 - January 28, 2026