Bernice I McKinney

CREVE COEUR ~ Bernice Irene McKinney, 91 of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away at 2:35 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2010 at Heartland Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Kalamazoo. She was formerly of Creve Coeur.

Born January 12, 1919 in Watertown, NY to Orlo and Alda (White) Butterfield, she married Carl A. McKinney on February 28, 1942 in Watertown, NY. He died April 8, 1994 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents and five brothers.

Surviving are one son, William (Patricia) McKinney of Lawrence, MI; one daughter, Deborah J. Rippon of Groveland; five granddaughters, Teresa (Jay) Schmitt of Groveland, Lynne (Darrell) Rendleman of East Peoria, Misty (Phillip) Ward of Pekin, Brandy Clinch of Pekin and Liz (Paul) Peppin of Marquette, MI. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A homemaker, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Bernice enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family.

Bernice was a devout Christian who taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of Northwest Baptist Church in Peoria.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2010at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. The Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weekday Wonders, in care of First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut St, Pekin, IL, 61554.