Fair Oaks, CA- Challiss Ann McKinley, a long-time resident of Fair Oaks lost her courageous battle with cancer but received her greatest reward, entrance into heaven, on May 22, 2020.
Challiss was preceded in death by her husband, George Francis McKinley, her son; Brian Keith McKinley; son-in-law, Keith Dwayne Smith; parents, Robert Henderson and Nancy Elinor Cleland; brother and his wife, Harry and Emily Cleland; and brother, Bruce Cleland.
She is survived by her daughter, Stacy Ann Smith of Fair Oaks, CA; son and his wife, George and Debbie McKinley of Buckeye, AZ; brother and his wife, David and Maria Cleland of Millsboro, DE; sister-in-law, Peggy Cleland of Pasadena, MD; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Born September 5, 1940, Challiss spent her younger years in Pennsylvania and graduated from Midway High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, she was accepted into the Alleghany General Hospital School of Nursing. During her training she met a patient, George McKinley, who fell head over heels in love with her. Upon graduation as a Registered Nurse in 1961, Challiss relocated to Phoenix, AZ where she not only began her 47-year nursing career but was also pursued by her new beau. In December 1961, George and Challiss were married and remained committed to each other until George’s passing in June 1995.
After two years in Phoenix, George and Challiss moved to Portland, OR then Sacramento, CA and ultimately settled in Fair Oaks, CA in 1971, where they raised their children and established themselves as members of the community.
Upon arrival in Sacramento in 1966, Challiss obtained employment at Sutter Memorial Hospital where she spent 43 years providing care for residents of the Sacramento Valley. During that time period, she developed strong long-lasting friendships with countless co-workers. Challiss was well known for her loyal, humble, and steadfast character, always bringing wisdom and calmness to any situation.
Once her children were grown and living independent lives of their own, Challiss decided to focus on herself and continue her education. She attended Chapman University and earned her Bachelors of Science in 1989 and Masters in Health Administration in 1992.
Retirement in 2009 did not bring about rest for Challiss. Instead, she continued a life of generous and faithful servanthood to Fair Oaks Church (formerly Fair Oaks Presbyterian), the Folsom Harris Center for the Arts, Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter, Sunrise Food Closet, and Meals on Wheels where she volunteered her time and resources and made many new friends. Challiss also made generous donations to support Family Life missionaries as well as vulnerable children in Malawi, Africa.
Challiss leaves a legacy of character and faith to her family. Her values of integrity, honesty, and commitment were woven into every aspect of her life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a child. As an adult, through her quiet leadership within her family, she led her children and grandchildren to do the same.
Private graveside services will be held June 10, 2020, 9am at Mount Vernon Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be held for all family and friends at a later date. Please check back for details.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the McKinley family.
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