Virginia Hughes McKee

Virginia Hughes McKee

November 23, 1927 – November 16, 2017

It is with a very heavy heart that I report the death of my wife, Virginia Hughes McKee. “Ginny” passed away Thursday, November 16th after a long illness of advanced dementia and arthritis.

Ginny was born in Covina, the daughter of Paul and Lillie Hughes. She had one sister, Hazel Hughes Clark, who preceded her in death. Her grandparents and parents were orange growers in West Covina and Azusa. She attended Citrus Union High School and attended USC for one semester.

I met Ginny. In November, 1945 at the First Presbyterian Church in Azusa and were married less than a year later. We started our life in Azusa where our three children, Richard Paul, Ronald Thomas, and Mary Lynn were born.

Ginny worked for Azusa School District for 28 years as a school secretary. She loved working with the children as well as the teachers, and Philip Harmsen, the one principal she worked for her entire career.

Ginny was a great cook. Not only did she prepare amazing family meals, she could make use of whatever we had to create delicious treats. While camping in Northern California, we would pick wild blackberries. She made jam or cobbler, all in that tiny RV kitchen.

RV camping was routine for us. Ginny would occupy the shotgun position and knit afghans during our many adventures. After retirement, we decided to move to the mountains. We bought a cabin near Idyllwild, in Pine Cove, and began a long renovation. We named that lovely home “Our Blue Heaven”, and lived there for 15 years.

We had been fortunate to find a little get-away at the Colorado River many years before which had been the perfect vacation spot for the whole family. We decided to move to the River, did a little renovation of the home there, and loved living there full-time for about 5 years. At that point, it became obvious that we needed to move closer to family and healthcare.

A small home in Northern Azusa was extensively remodeled and provided every comfort as Ginny’s health continued to decline. For the past 5 years, she was bed-bound and required caregivers.Kerri, Sandra, Vera, Norma, and Lupe provided incredible care and became part of our family. We will be forever grateful to them for how they took care of all of us.

During our more than71 years together, our family continued to expand. At last count, we have 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Ginny was instrumental in providing babysitting service for grandkids and would have continued had she been able.

So, my darling Ginny, God bless you for all you brought to our 71 years of marriage. Rest In Peace, you have truly earned it.

Your loving husband, Dick

Arrangements under the direction of Oakdale Mortuary, Glendora, CA.