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Archery losses another
Betty McKinney
passes away at the age of 82
 
1930 - 2013
A son's tribute to his
mother 
By Rick McKinney
She was a gentle soul who mainly stayed in the
background, raising 6 kids, taking care of the household, shooting her
bow and arrow, running her own beauty saloon in house, being the
secretary of the Indiana Field Archery Association and keeping the books
of Paul’s Archery while coaching and inspiring
100’s of the Munsee
Olympian JOAD archers.
Her first love was dance roller skating. Since the
family headed towards the sport of archery, she reluctantly set her
skates to the
side and picked up the bow and arrow. In less than three
years, she became the NFAA Barebow National Field Champion. She put
sights
on her bow and traveled the Professional Archery Association tour
winning the Ann Marston Memorial and other major events. She finished
2nd at the PAA National Outdoor Championships finishing behind one of
the greatest female archers to ever
shoot a bow and arrow.
 Her easy smile and friendly manner is what most remember.
Some had to
deal with her fierce competitiveness when on
the shooting line (where do
you think I got that attitude?). She encouraged hundreds of kids at
Paul’s Archery Center for years.
I think one of her proudest moments was
when Becky Liggett carried the torch for the Indianapolis Olympic
Festival. Becky won
several national events and received an archery
scholarship
to Arizona State University.
Eventually mom gave up the bow and arrow and went
back to dance skating. She won her silver bars in her 70’s.
She was so excited about dancing again and continued on until she could
no longer skate. I will never forget our discussions
over the years. She
was always positive, encouraging
and had a gentle heart.
Rest in peace mom. You lived a full and wonderful life.
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