1936-2026
Betty Jean McClain, 89, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in her home.
Betty was born on April 28, 1936, in West Liberty, Ohio, to the late Marston E. and Nellie I. (Fields) Huffman.
Betty built her life around hard work and the people she cared about most. In 1970, she set up by a tree in Lakeview with a small load of produce and a determination to make it work. From that simple start, she grew Ma’s Produce into a place many came to depend on. What began in Lakeview eventually reached Russells Point, Lima, Bellefontaine, and finally Kenton, Ohio. For 46 years, she poured herself into her produce and garden center, taking pride in being self-employed and loving every bit of it.
She was not afraid of long days or early mornings. Betty believed in showing up, doing things right, and taking care of her customers. Even after retiring in 2015, she never fully stepped away. She continued traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, and Indiana to pick up produce for her grandson, who now carries on her love for the garden center and produce market in Urbana. Seeing him continue what she started meant more to her than she ever let on.
Outside of work, she enjoyed traveling and trying her luck at the casinos. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler, and she always appreciated a quiet moment bird watching or a slow golf cart ride. She kept up with her weekly hair and nail appointments, enjoying the visits as much as the results. Time spent with family was what grounded her. She liked having everyone close, hearing the conversations, and simply being together.
Betty was a member of Moose Lodge Lakeview #1533, Eagles Lakeview #3615, and American Legion Bellefontaine #173. She valued the friendships and familiar faces she found there over the years. Her legacy lives on in the business she built, in the family she loved, and in the countless gardens that grew from the seeds she helped plant.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Pam (Craig) Kuivinen; son, Scott (Michelle) McClain; grandchildren, Scotty (Ann) McClain, Megan (Zach) Carver, Courtney (Scott) Garrison, Seth (Addy) Kuivinen, Jordan Aldo, Jenna (Derek) Welch; several great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Everett Huffman, Meril Huffman, Max Huffman, Marion Huffman, and Roger Huffman; and sisters, Geraldine Seeling and Thelma Neer.
Arrangements are entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.
