Betty Joan McLean Throckmorton Mahan

Betty Joan McLean Throckmorton Mahan, a 96-year-old resident of Jerome, ID went to be with her Heavenly Father surrounded by loved ones. Betty was born in Burley, Idaho to Margaret and Archie McLean. She shared her childhood with her siblings, Ken, Lavelle (aka Tom), Darlene, and Keith. In her schooling, she mastered shorthand and was an excellent typist. She was a 1945 Burley High School graduate. After graduating, she worked at the Prisoner of War Camp, west of Paul, ID as the Secretary to the hospital administrator.

In February 1947, she moved to California to live with her cousin, Wilma, in the Long Beach and Inglewood areas. After 8 months, she realized big city life was not for her. The heart strings of little Burley, Idaho never looked better than in the moment of her return. Continuing her secretarial work, she was employed by the Dept. of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration and for Senator Dworshak in Burley. Impressed with her skills, Senator Dworshak offered Betty a position at his Washington D.C. office. She declined the big city offer.

Betty met John Throckmorton from Rupert in 1947 and they were married in 1948 at the Burley United Methodist Church. John was employed by Chester B. Brown Bean Company. Four years and four days later, they welcomed their daughter, Jana. A change in employment to Charter Seed Co. of Idaho & California, moved them to Salinas, California. A year and a half later their energetic son, Thomas, was born. In 1957, a work transfer moved them to San Jose. During this time another son, curly haired Johnny, was born.

As a field representative, John's position included many days away from home to survey the crops. California was "far bigger than Idaho." Betty was the faithful coordinator of their home and family life. The fabric of her life was filled with PTA, teaching Sunday school, gardening, sewing and dancing. Betty loved being a mom and created a loving home for her children and husband. In 1986, John and Betty returned full time to their beloved Idaho. John passed away in 1996; they were married for nearly 48 years.

Betty had three grandchildren, Heather, Kara and Justin, born to Jana and Paul Kaiser. She shared the love of music by teaching them how to play the piano, which she called "Grandkids' Piano Time." Enjoyable outings to the cabin at Pettit Lake delighted everyone. In later years, many fun weekends were enjoyed at Pitchfork Ranch in Shoshone.

In 1999, Betty married Thomas Mahan, an honorable, community minded citizen of Jerome. They enjoyed their time together for 12 years. Betty delighted in games of Pinochle with her family and dear friends. Betty enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and regularly quick-witted the contestants. Betty was able to continue to live in her own home, happily, thanks to her loving son, Tom.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ken, LaVelle (aka Tom), and Keith; and her cousin, Wilma.

Betty is survived by her sister, Darlene Adams of Boise; her daughter, Jana and Paul Kaiser; her son, Thomas Throckmorton of Jerome; her grandchildren, Heather & Luke Lowe of Eagle; Kara & Nathan Meyer of Utah; and Justin & Mariah Kaiser of Jerome; her great grandchildren, Noah (16) & Jeremy (13) Meyer, Emily (13) & Ethan (11) Lowe, and Faith (14) Axel (8), Ryland (4) and Violet (1) Kaiser.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 20, 2023 at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 S Lincoln Ave, Jerome, with Penny Hodges officiating. A graveside service will conclude at Rupert Cemetery, with a meal following at the Rupert United Methodist Church, 605 H Street, Rupert.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Interlink Volunteer Caregivers (208-733-6333) or The Idaho Youth Ranch (208-377-2613) under the John A. Throckmorton Memorial Fund or John C. Throckmorton Memorial Fund, are appreciated.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Betty’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.