Mary Ellen McKinney

Mary Ellen was born in Alma, Michigan on June 17th 1947, to Harvey J. and Julia Hunter. She was raised in Alma and attended St Mary's School for primary and Alma Public Schools for secondary education. She attended Central Michigan University and Mid-Michigan Community College. She was married to Chuck McKinney on July 1st, 1967. She worked as a nurses aide for 7 years then acquired her LPN in 1977. While practicing as an LPN she was a major organizer for the group into the Michigan LPN Association. She was always an active union member. With major amount of help and support from her family, she received her ADN to reach her life long dream to become a Registered Nurse. In 1987 she and her family left their home in Michigan where the family was born and raised and moved to North Central Washington. She was employed for 22 years at Central Washington Hospital, working as a Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse, and Nursing Supervisor. As a member of WSNA she was an active member for many years and manned 2 negotiating teams, worked as Grievance Officer and Union Representative for her unit, Surg/Ortho. Her passion for Democratic politics was well known. She joined the Chelan County Democrats in 1987. She participated as Treasurer for 3 years and helped in campaign offices many times over the years. She was so proud to be chosen to be a Precinct officer in 2012, and was so disappointed to have to give the position up for health reasons. Her creativity came out in her skills for Home Decorating and making clothes for her family. She loved to sew. She had a great love for her family and her life partner Chuck. She leaves behind son, Matt McKinney, daughter, Darcy (Chad) Spies. Her beloved brother Donald (Fran) Hunter of Benton City WA, nieces Kim(Hunter) & Jerry Nestle, Julie(Hunter) & Mark Monroe and Nephew Jeff (Lisa) Hunter all of Michigan. Carlie(Hunter) & John Banks, Lori (Hunter) & Cody Newberry, Candace (Hunter) & Josh Wingert, and Lacey (Hunter) & Justin Welch all of Benton City, Wa. The McKinney side; Lisa (McKinney) Kirk and Lita (McKinney) & Ron Warehime, Mark (Nada) McKinney, Nick (Beth) McKinney, and Brent (Kathy) McKinney all of Ohio. Sister-in law Nancy McKinney of Ohio. And numerous close & cherished friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at alsa.org. The family will be arranging a memorial at a later date. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjones.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Mary Ellen McKinney

June 17, 1947 - August 11, 2015