Brenda Joyce McKinney

Brenda Joyce McKinney, 81 of Dalhart, formerly of Tucumcari, NM, left this world peacefully, surrounded by family, to be with her Lord and Savior on July 22, 2025. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Tucumcari, NM. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled at 1:30pm (MST) on Friday, July 25, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Tucumcari, with Pastor Rusty Kenyon officiating. Interment will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Park Cemetery. Brenda's Homegoing celebration is entrusted to Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Dalhart, TX.

Brenda, born on November 3, 1943, in El Paso, Texas, was the daughter of Lester A. and Floyd Jesse Ellis. As a young girl, she spent her summers working alongside her mom on their farm in Tucumcari, where she developed a deep love for the land and the simple joys of life. Brenda graduated from Tucumcari High School in 1961, but it was when she was just 17 that she met Roy McKinney, while car-hopping at the Westerner Drive-In. They were married on September 21, 1961, and soon began their journey together, first moving to California, then back to El Paso in 1962, where their first son, Aldron, was born just a month later. Over the years, their family grew to include three more sons: Arlen, Allen, and Aaron, and Brenda embraced her role as a devoted mother with endless love and care.

In 1969, Brenda and Roy returned to Tucumcari, where Brenda stayed home to nurture her children. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and a welcoming spirit. In the late '70s, her nephew Bob came to live with them, and he quickly became like another son to her. Brenda worked as head housekeeper at the Holiday Inn for 20 years, where she treated every guest with the same hospitality she offered in her own home. Later, in 2010, Brenda began working at their family business, Rt. 66 Smoke Shop, where she continued to bring her kindness and light to all who crossed her path until her retirement in 2021.

Brenda was the embodiment of gentleness, love, and kindness. Her home was always open to anyone, and she would never hesitate to offer a warm meal or a comforting space. She considered many children to be her own, always ensuring they felt loved, cared for, and had a place to stay. Whether she was playing her steel guitar at the age of 12, riding her beloved horse Loper, or tending to her flower beds, Brenda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her love for the outdoors and the beauty of country life never faded, and she took great pride in creating a warm, welcoming space filled with the spirit of family and love. Her legacy will forever be one of kindness, warmth, and the profound impact she had on everyone who knew her.

Brenda often spoke with deep pride about her boys, remembering their childhoods, accomplishments, and the strong men they had become. She cherished every moment of raising them, guiding them with love and wisdom. But as time went on, her heart found even greater joy in the laughter and presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Seeing them brought her a sense of fulfillment that words could hardly capture. Their visits, hugs, and stories became the highlight of her days, and nothing made her smile more.

Brenda was preceded in death by one grandchild, Quinn McKinney and two great-grandchildren, Blakely Lacy and Jentry McKinney, whose memories she carried close to her heart.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Roy McKinney, and their five children: Aldron McKinney and wife Deanne of Tucumcari, Arlen McKinney and wife Laura of Hartley, TX., Bob Helker and wife Debbie of Amarillo, TX., Allen McKinney of Tucumcari, and Aaron McKinney and wife Suzy of Tucumcari.

Also left behind to cherish her memory include twelve grandchildren: Even McKinney and wife Tiffany of Dalhart, TX; Savannah Jackson of Tennessee; Carrie Bomar of Tucumcari; Cody Curtright of Los Lunas, NM; Kelsey Idsinga and husband Derek of Tucumcari; Taylor McKinney and wife Jordan of Amarillo, TX; McKayla Ramsey and husband Ian of Alamogordo, NM; Branden McKinney and wife Sue of San Antonio, TX; Misty Pendley and husband Jake of Tucumcari; Tysen McKinney of Clovis, NM; Newt McKinney and wife Catey of Hartley, TX; and Megan Preciado and husband Johnathon of Tucumcari.

She is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and her cousin Robert Wilson and wife Kay of Mustang, Oklahoma, along with their family.

Pallbearers: Even McKinney, Taylor McKinney, Newt McKinney, Tysen McKinney, Branden McKinney, and Cody Curtright.

Honorary pallbearers are all family and friends.