Eddie Jean McKinney

Eddie Jean McKinney, 70, of Midland, Texas passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 after a gallant fight with cancer. She was born in Marathon, Texas on December 9, 1940 to Jake and Barcie Nutt. She was raised a cowgirl on the Combs Ranch in Marathon. At age 13, she was allowed to pick the replacement heifers for the ranch, something the owner or only the top cowboys were allowed to do. She graduated from Marathon High School in 1959 and in 1974 she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Clayton McKinney on June 4, 1959. They were married for 45 years when he preceded her in death on August 20, 2004. They raised 3 sons: Clay, Troy, and Rory. Clayton was a Texas Ranger and transfers moved the family many times. The family lived all across West Texas including Van Horn, San Angelo, McNary, Sierra Blanca, and Alpine. Jean retired from the Texas State Comptroller’s Office in Odessa. Jean loved to spend time with her family and friends, dancing at the Post, playing golf, listening to her boys play guitar, watching her sons and grandchildren rope, looking at a good horse, and fishing in the Rio Grande River. Jean lived her life on her terms and never backed down from a challenge. She is with the angels now and is definitely… On A Cloud.

The family would like to say a special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Hospice of Midland Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clayton McKinney Memorial Scholarship at Midland College.

Jean is survived by her three sons, Clay McKinney (and wife Brenda) of Pecos, Troy McKinney (and wife Kim) of Collinsville, Rory McKinney (and wife Katrina) of Midland; nine grandchildren, Clay Ryon (wife Analisa), Jake (wife Emily), Sarah, Brooke, Hannah, Clayton (wife Sarah), Ember, Ethan, and Evan; four great-grandchildren, Brayden, Anabella, Emalynn, and Emma.

She is further preceded in death by her father and mother, Jake and Barcie Nutt and her step-father, Richard “Teenie” Chambers.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Marathon Cemetery in Marathon, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland, Texas. Condolences can be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.