Russell L. McKinley
November 3, 1930 ~ May 11, 2015 (age 84) 84 Years OldShare using:
Russell L. McKinley, 84, of Burnham, died peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2015, at Ohesson Manor. The Lord opened the final door and he is forever free.
Born Nov. 3, 1930, in Burnham, he was the son of the late Jacob and Clara (Sweitzer) McKinley.
He was preceded in death by: a son, Jeffrey L. in 2008; a sister, Esther M. Hartley; brother-in-law, Richard L. Hartley; sister-in-law, Minnie Mowery; and niece, Donata L. McKnight
On July 2, 1955, he married his surviving wife and soul mate, Maud E. (McCalips) McKinley, with whom he shared almost 60 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Christine M. Wertz and husband Steven, A., of Yeagertown; grandchildren, Amanda N. Crick and husband, Ryan S., of Latrobe; Drew S. Wertz and fiancee, Heather A. Tate, of Reedsville; and he leaves behind his precious great-grandson, the joy of his life, Reese S. Crick.
He is also survived by many close neighbors and friends that he thought of and loved like family, his sisters, Madeline "Mag" Kauffman, of Belleville and Jacqueline "Jackie" Shreffler and husband, Paul of Florida.
He attended Burnham High School.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and he was employed by Standard Steel for over 40 years.
He was a member of Rhodes Memorial Church family that he dearly loved, a life long member of the Burnham Fire House and belonged to the Derry Township Senior Center.
Russ enjoyed spending time with his "precious Maudie" volunteering at the Rhodes Church and in his earlier years, at the Derry Senior Center. He enjoyed working outdoors in his garden and yard.
He was always eager to lend a helping hand or make someone smile. He loved his family very much and took pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments throughout their lives.
The family will receive friends and family from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2015, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home Inc., 108 First Ave., Burnham with the Rev. Carola-Beasley-Topliffe officiating. Interment will be in Juniata Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in Russ's memory can be made to Rhodes Memorial Church, 500 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church
500 Highland Avenue, Lewistown PA 17044
