McKEE, Lois M. (Rife) - b. July 10, 1925 - d. August 9, 2019

[patyrn]

Lois M. McKee was born July 10, 1925 in Bluff City, Kansas where her father was teaching.  Her parents were Casper Lee and Grace (McClister/Ford) Rife.

Lois attended schools in Anthony, Kansas and Spring Township.  She also attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas where she received a teaching certificate.  Returning to Spring Township, she taught at Geitgey School during World War II.  When her fiance, Richard "Steve" McKee returned home from submarine duty in the South Pacific, they were married December 2, 1945 in the Burchfiel United Methodist Church.  After being married, she continued to substitute teach at Spring Elementary School.

Lois was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend.  She was devoted to her family, church, and community.  She served in many roles.  She was a lifetime member of Burchfiel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, and sang in the church choir and the women's quartet.  She helped with sunrise pagents, directed the church Christmas program for at least 50 years, was an active member in Burchfiel UMW, Farmerettes, Spring Chicks EHU, sang with Harmonettes (Beauty Shop Group), assisted with many fund-raising dinners for the Anthony Hospital and Clinic, and worked on the farm and at Powell's Red Barn.  Lois served on a variety of church and community boards.  She won many top ribbons at the Harper County Fair for her bread making skills and taught many 4-Hers the art of baking bread.

Lois is survived by her sister, Donna Coble of Severy, Kansas; her sister-in-law, Wilma Rife of Lawrence, Kansas; her children, Richard Lee (Toni) McKee and Anthony (Kerry Dan) McKee, all of Anthony, Kansas;  her cousins, Lee Rife of Saint Paul, Minnesota and Jack Rife of Washington, D. C.; her grandchildren, Tiffani (Matthew) Lara, Sean McKee, Kelly (Tyler) Robertson, Katie Lee McKee, Kendra Clark, and Robert (Kim) Clark; great-grandchildren, Brooke Black, Eric Black, Hannah Clark, and Kendall Clark.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard "Steve" McKee; her brother-in-law, Floyd Coble, her brother, Max Lee Rife; and her daughter, Junea Louise Clark.  She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main Street, Anthony, Kansas 67003 with Rev. Karen Miller officiating.  Burial will follow in the Burchfiel Cemetery south of Anthony, Kansas.  Memorials in memory of Lois may be made to the Burchfiel United Methodist Chrch and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas  is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Prairie Rose Funeral Home website)