Betty E. (Downing) McBride

Betty E. McBride of Ainsworth, NE passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2025, at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth at the age of 83 years. Betty was born June 24, 1941, in the house she grew up in, to Howard and Josephine (Lindner) Downing in Merna, NE. Seven years later, she helped welcome her little brother, Dale “Buzz” Alan Downing.

 Betty attended elementary and high school in Merna, then went to Omaha, NE where she was enrolled in The Personnel Training College. Following the completion of her classes in December 1959, she went to work at Custer Public Power District in Broken Bow, NE, while living with her parents in Merna.

 Betty and Victor “Bud” McBride were married on November 25, 1961, at Broken Bow. Bud had left for the service the next month. Betty continued to live with her mother and work at CPPD until Bud was discharged from the service in 1963. She worked a total of six years at CPPD.

 Upon his return home, they lived in the Weissert community and worked for the Pederson Hereford Ranch for two years. At the end of that period of time, they purchased their own farm near Ainsworth and moved there in 1965. They welcomed two sons into the world: Dennis D. McBride, who was born in 1965 at the Broken Bow Hospital, and Greg A. McBride, born in 1970 at the Brown County Hospital.

 Betty went to work for KBR Rural Public Power District in 1966 and became Office Manager in 1985. She was an active member of the Ainsworth Does Drove #54 and served as their secretary for 15 years. Betty was always helping out her community by being a part of the ABC Club, Auxiliary Thrift Shop, and the Red Hats. She joined the United Methodist Church in June of 1993 and was an avid member of their choir. She also served on various church committees and was an officer of the Suzannah-Wesley Circle for many years. She loved to play golf, enjoyed bridge games with her friends, cooking for her family, traveling, camping and was an avid writer. She loved animals and was always bringing home strays to take care of and nurture. In her free time, you could always find her at a local restaurant drinking coffee with her circle of friends.

 Her greatest love was her family. She threw endless footballs for her son, Dennis and cheered him on throughout his sporting career. Some of her favorite memories was her trips to Scotland with her son, Greg to see where their ancestors were from and then going back again with Bud. She took her granddaughter everywhere she went. They took frequent joyrides in the convertible, tubed down the Long Pine Creek at their “Secret Place” and never missed one of Hailey’s sporting events. 

 Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Josephine (Lindner) Downing; her brother, Dale “Buzz” Downing; and her son, Greg McBride. Betty is survived by her husband, Victor “Bud” McBride; her son, Dennis and wife, Jill McBride, all of Ainsworth; granddaughter, Hailey McBride of Bassett, NE; sister-in-law, Dee Dee Downing of Broken Bow; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

Memorial Service was held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Ainsworth United Methodist Church with Reverend Michael W. Eurit officiating. Linn Baxter provided instrumental musical selections “Sunrise”, “In the Garden” and “He Leadeth Me.” Inurnment followed the memorial service in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the family in Betty’s name for future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com