Mary McKee

Mary Grace “Gracie” (Mayes) Libby McKee, 83, left her earthly home to be united with her Lord and Savior and welcomed by loved ones in heaven at 7:42 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, at Geisinger- Lewistown Hospital.

Born Jan. 18, 1934, in the upstairs of Mayes’ restaurant in Burnham, to the pounding of the Standard Steel hammer, she was the daughter of the late John Oliver Mayes and Alma Amanda (Spankle) Mayes.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, William McKee; siblings, James R. Mayes (Virginia), Doris L. Leeper, (Joseph), John O. Mayes Jr., (Betty), Donald S. Mayes and “Tom” I. Mayes.

She is survived by: a daughter, Cindy (Libby) Lucas and husband, Kim, of McAlisterville; a son, Mark Libby, of Vermont; a stepdaughter, Joni Frantz (Dennis), of Louisiana; a stepson, Steven McKee (Tina), of Arizona; grandchildren, Megan M. Lucas, of Florida, Joshua M. Lucas, of Vermont, Jacob D. Lucas, of Massachusetts, Seth T. Libby, of Vermont, Hannah C. Libby, of Washington state, and Emma H. Libby, of New Hampshire; stepgrandchildren, Jonna and Denise Frantz, of Louisiana, Madison and Dylan McKee, of Arizona; brother, Samuel Mayes and wife, Irene, of Burnham; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; more than 50 beloved nieces and nep- hews; and one old cat, Sunny. They were all dear to her heart, as were her many friends and neighbors.

Gracie was a Burnham girl through and through, a proud Burnham High School graduate, Class of 1952, where she played several sports, had leads in school plays, was a cheerleader and May Queen.

She was employed by Standard Steel, Arrow Shirt Factory, Felmlee's, Barrows, Tom Mayes’ Beauty Salon and retired from Ball-Unimark, in Reedsville.

She was an avid Penn State fan, wearing her lucky clothes for each game. She also enjoyed cooking for others and was an exceptional pie baker. She loved animals, especially cats, but anything that wandered into her yard got fed, even the bears. She was witty, clever and a real “Mrs. Fixit.” She was generous and kind-hearted and liked giving little gifts to visitors.

Mimi was very proud of her grandchildren and delighted in sharing in their accomplishments and travels. They will miss her funny drawings and stories.

She was a devout Christian and enjoyed reading her Bible. She attended the Methodist church in Burnham as a child, and was a member of Burnham Church of the Brethren, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home, 108 First Ave., Burnham. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Monday, with Pastor Nancy Hudson officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mark’s Cemetery, Lewistown.

Memorials in Mary Grace’s name may be made to ROFF, 133 N. Walnut St., Burnham, PA 17009, and Fame Emergency Medical Services, 701 Valley St., Lewistown, PA 17044.

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