Betty Lou McLoughlin, 83, passed away in the early morning hours on October 12, 2019 in Pinedale, WY. She was the oldest daughter of Richard Disney Hecox and Isabelle "Dorothy" Logan Hecox, born January 29, 1936 in Rock Springs, WY.

BettyLou grew up in the Upper Kendall Valley along with her siblings Donnie and Dick. She went to primary school at the Kendall Valley Schoolhouse. During a couple of years with harsher winters, she was sent to Rock Springs to spend the school year with her Aunt Catherine. BettyLou attended secondary school at the Wasatch Academy boarding school in Mt. Pleasant, UT, graduating in May, 1954.

While home on a school break with a friend, BettyLou met Melvin L. McLoughlin. They married June 30, 1954 at the Chapel of Transfiguration in Moose, WY. They lived on the McLoughlin family ranch in Daniel, WY where they raised their three children LaDonna Kay, James Richard and Cindy Lou. BettyLou and Melvin remained together in Daniel until his passing in September 2007.

BettyLou spent the first fifteen years of marriage helping her husband raising cattle and haying. Together they established The Place restaurant in May 1969 in the Upper Kendall Valley where BettyLou spent the next twenty five years as owner and head cook. She was known valley wide for a warm smile, a hot cup of coffee and her famous cinnamon rolls. Upon her retirement, she happily settled back into life as a wife and homemaker.

BettyLou was a lifelong member of the Bronx Homemakers Club, Jobs Daughters and the Order of the Eastern Star. She spent many years as a 4H leader and was recognized as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Green River Valley Cowbelles/Cattle Women in 2017. She enjoyed playing cards, crafting, reading, sewing, baking and tending to her many flower gardens. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 53 years Melvin, parents Richard and Dorothy, brother Dick and sister Donnie.

She is survived by daughters LaDonna McLoughlin of Pinedale, Cindy Jones (Justin) of Pinedale and son James McLoughlin (Sandra) of Daniel. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan McGuire (Marie), Andrea Jones, Casey Jones, Isabelle McLoughlin and great grandchildren Mae and Finn McGuire, along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 am Saturday, October 19, at Pinedale Community Church, 113 S. Maybell. In leu of flowers, memorial gifts in BettyLou's name can be sent to the Museum of the Mtn. Man and the Sublette Center.