Virginia S. Mc Kee

Born in Lizton, IN, she was raised an only child on a farm. Upon high school graduation, she attended Ward Belmont College, Nashville, TN, an all-girls school, for one year, and then transferred to Purdue University, IN, and received a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority, and was active in the Purdue Women’s Glee Club where, among other roles, she had a leading part in Gilbert and Sullivan’s, “The Mikado”. Her love for music followed her throughout her life in some form or another, either playing the piano, the organ, or singing.

Mrs. McKee met her husband, Murray McKee at Purdue University and they celebrated 66 of marriage before his death, also at Westminster Oaks. Together, they started McKee Engineering Company in Columbus, IN, and later moved all the business to the south, in Marianna, FL. Mr. McKee continued his life’s work there until retirement when they moved to Tallahassee.

4-H became her passion for young women in Columbus, IN, for 24 years. She was a leader of 4 clubs, a judge, and noted figure at the IN State Fair for her contributions to

4-H. She also served as the State President of the Indiana Garden Clubs for two terms, where she also served as an accomplished flower show judge.

Mrs. McKee was a pilot, along with her husband. They owned and both flew a twin-engine Aerocommander. She flew solo in her small Cessna 150 to CA and back to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Mrs. McKee was a long-time volunteer and benefactor at Goodwood Museum and a faithful member of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, both in Tallahassee. She served as a mentor for a young group of women in the TLH community who organized a club to study investments. “The rose lady”, as she was affectionately referred to, established and maintained the WO rose garden for many years. She remained an active participant of many activities at WO until her death.

Mrs. McKee is survived by two daughters, Jayne Frank of Port Orange, FL; and Joyce Toman, Marianna, FL; and her son-in-law, Joseph Toman. Her grandchildren include John Toman (wife, Amy), Tallahassee; Jane Michels (husband, Paul), Marianna, FL; Lisa Balakin (husband, Ed), Loomis, CA; and Scott Traicoff (wife, Nancy), Boston, MS. She also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren, and one great, great-grandchild, Alex Vitt of CA.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, August 9, 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Oaks in the Maguire Center. No flowers are being accepted, however contributions in her memory can be directed to either her church or Westminster Oaks.