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McKinley: Evelyn Anna (Johns) of Zurich

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On June 29, 2020 @ 2:05 PM In Obituary,Zurich | 69 Comments

McKinley: Evelyn Anna (Johns) of Zurich

It is with great sadness that the family of Evelyn Anna McKinley (nee Johns) announces her passing on June 25, 2020 at Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich, in her 91st year. She died peacefully with her cherished husband of 72 years, Anson by her side. Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her children Larry McKinley and Elizabete David, Karen Ratcliffe, Cathy McKinley and John Hoover, Mary Lou and Robin Thomson, and Donna and the late Brian Steck. As a grandmother she will be remembered by Warren and Alana McKinley, Kelly, Megan, Emily, and David Ratcliffe, Josh, Mac and Ali Hoover, Nikki and Michael Thomson, and Ethan and Steven Steck. Great grandmother of Neve and Grayson McKinley-Burns, Colton, Gabriel and Addison St. Maurice, Owen Waters, Douglas Muir, Jackson, Wyatt and Logan Berger, Olin, Tegel, Abigail, and Emilia Hoover, Otis, Finlay and Heather Gunn, and Max, Jude, Jimi and Bodhi Steck. Missed by former sons-in-law Dale Ratcliffe and Doug McKenzie, along with her many nieces and nephews. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Eleanor Reibling-King and Willard King, Stanley and June Johns and Gordon and Diane Johns, Bob McKinley, Berne and Doris McKinley, and Jean Fanson. Predeceased by Audrey McKinley, Ken Fanson, and Lloyd Reibling.     

Evelyn was born October 10, 1929, and she married her love, Anson, at 18 years of age on May 15, 1948.  The small United Church near her parents’ farm was filled with the smell of cherry blossoms she picked that morning. She carried a bouquet of red and yellow roses, a gift from Anson. Children filled the farm house and strays wandered in to stay for weeks and months and were fed and embraced (Lawrence, Nick, and Ted to name a few). Her life was filled with all the tasks and few of the modern amenities of a farmer’s wife. She fed all who came near at mealtimes – family, hired men, bankers and politicians. She took meals to Anson in the fields and shared quiet moments with him in the evenings when all was good with her world. She grew food, she quilted blankets, she kissed hurts away and she laughed with joy. For many years, in the winter, they lived in Royal Manor in Boynton Beach, Florida.  She was active in the church and choir and volunteered at the Nearly New Shop.  Many cold northerners were welcomed with food, lodgings and warm conversation. She was dedicated to her faith as a member of the United Church and the United Church Women. She was the first-in-line as a volunteer to cook, sew or serve at community fundraisers. She had a life-long joy of music, particularly the old hymns, and sang in the church choir. Evelyn loved unconditionally. She was compassionate, generous, selfless and thoughtful. Evelyn loved Anson and her family with all her heart.  We will all miss her beautiful blue eyes and her warm smile not to mention her creamed chicken, dinner rolls and angel food cake.

A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 11 AM, Reverend Randy Banks officiating. Though the service is private, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh Interment Bayfield Cemetery.

Donations to Brucefield Community United Church, Blue Water Rest Home or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.


Condolences for the family of “McKinley: Evelyn Anna (Johns) of Zurich”

Condolence from Tony /Marlene Bedard. on June 29th, 2020 3:45 PM

So sorry for your loss of a lovely lady .

Condolence from Blue Water Rest Home on June 29th, 2020 3:50 PM

Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Condolence from Chuck & Tanya Tanya Erb on June 29th, 2020 4:16 PM

Anson & Family,
Tanya and I wish to extend our Sympathy to you all at this difficult time.
We will keep You in our Thoughts & Prayers.

Condolence from Rick & Ann LeBeau on June 29th, 2020 4:26 PM

Karen we are sending our sympathy to you and your family, our thought and prayers are with you all,
Hugs from away Rick & Ann LeBeau

Condolence from Marge Schilbe on June 29th, 2020 5:55 PM

Sorry of your loss of Evelyn Anson, you will miss your daily visits with her. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Condolence from Donna O’Brien on June 29th, 2020 6:08 PM

Anson and family,

Please accept my sincerest sympathy.You will cherish the wonderful memories Evelyn has given you !

Condolence from Doug and Joyce McBeath on June 29th, 2020 6:18 PM

Anson and family our sympathy and prayers go out to you in your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother

Condolence from Bob Fisher on June 29th, 2020 6:42 PM

Sorry to hear of Evelyns passing,my sincere sympathies to you Ansen and your family

Condolence from Leanne Lempriere on June 29th, 2020 7:33 PM

McKinley family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Evelyn. She was a true lady with a smile that always met her twinkly eyes. She will be sorely missed.

Condolence from Bruce McBride on June 29th, 2020 8:03 PM

I have fond memories of both Anson and Evelyn both in their community and the Goshen United Church . Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family-Evelyn has left a lasting legacy of love and faith .
Bruce and Sandy McBride

Condolence from Allan & Marjorie Hayter on June 29th, 2020 8:48 PM

Evelyn was one of the most down-to-earth people who shared her love, understanding, patience and common sense with everyone she came in contact with.
She became a friend to many and will be missed by all.
A wonderful, respected person who lived her life the way it is meant to be lived.

Condolence from Jim Knox on June 29th, 2020 11:11 PM

Condolences from the Knox Family. Sorry to hear of Evelyn,s passing.

Condolence from MJ Pennings on June 29th, 2020 11:12 PM

My sincere condolences to the whole McKinley Family. What a beautifully well written obituary for such a warm loving lady. I have so many warm memories of Evelyn and Anson on the farm. Special thoughts during this difficult time.

Condolence from Eve Robbins on June 30th, 2020 7:39 AM

Sending our love and condolences to you all.

Eve and Lawrence Robbins

Condolence from Evelyn Vincent on June 30th, 2020 7:45 AM

Anson and family
Sincere sympathy. Evelyn was a wonderful lady with such a kind heart and will be missed by many.
May God grant peace and comfort.

Condolence from Judy Mills on June 30th, 2020 9:14 AM

To Anson and Evelyn’s family;
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss. Although we only got to know Evelyn while she lived at Bluewater, we could see the sparkle in her eye, her enjoyment when family came near, and her love of music. She was usually sitting peacefully with a smile on her face. One could tell she was at peace with her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. God Bless.
The family of Iva Blair

Condolence from The Blair Family on June 30th, 2020 9:16 AM

To Anson and Evelyn’s family;
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss. Although we only got to know Evelyn while she lived at Bluewater, we could see the sparkle in her eye, her enjoyment when family came near, and her love of music. She was usually sitting peacefully with a smile on her face. One could tell she was at peace with her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. God Bless.
The family of Iva Blair

Condolence from Delbert Shewfelt on June 30th, 2020 9:56 AM

Anson my sympathy to you and your family, Evelyn was a lovely person

Condolence from Joan and Jack Powell on June 30th, 2020 10:21 AM

Karen thinking of you at this difficult time. You have been a kind caring daughter. Your Mom was blessed to have you. Take care of yourself and remember the good times
Hugs
Jack and Joan

Condolence from Margaret Hern on June 30th, 2020 10:21 AM

Dear Family,
I am remembering your “Sunshine” from my teenage years at Camp Menestung, Goderich. Evelyn was camp nurse the year I was a camp counselor. Part of my leadership duties that year was music and my camp name “Melody” was how Sunshine referred to me many years later when our paths crossed once again through the UCW. She and her friend Carol were wonderful mentors to the young teen leaders and children involved with that particular camp. I do not recall the year but I do remember camp and Sunshine’s smile with fondness. Celebrate her life with music and joy.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hern ( Johns)

Condolence from Ken and Margaret Caldwell on June 30th, 2020 11:23 AM

Anson and Family – Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of a wonderful human being. Evelyn was always a very positive person whenever we met. She will be missed by all who knew her but Evelyn has left many memories.

Condolence from Bryon Lempriere/Mary Davies on June 30th, 2020 11:38 AM

Terribly sorry about your loss. A lady once known never forgotten. Our sincerest condolences.

Condolence from Jeff Hayter on June 30th, 2020 2:36 PM

Sorry for your loss. I remember her teaching Sunday school and messengers at Goshen United church She was like another Grandma to me at church!

Condolence from Hayley Linfield on June 30th, 2020 3:13 PM

My deepest sympathy to you all. I remember Evelyn as always being cheerful and sweet. She had a positive energy that I enjoyed being around. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Condolence from Carol LeBeau on June 30th, 2020 3:24 PM

To the McKinley and Johns Families:
Evelyn was always such a lovely, friendly lady. I remember that as a little girl, I attended my very first wedding and it was Evelyn’s and Anson’s at Turner’s Church. It was such a special event! I can’t believe that was seventy two years ago! My sympathy goes out to each one of you who will miss having Evelyn in your lives.
Carol LeBeau

Condolence from Nancy Ducharme on June 30th, 2020 4:05 PM

Thinking of you and your families at this sad time.

Condolence from Jim & Kate Keys on June 30th, 2020 4:19 PM

Jim & Kate wish to send our condolences to Anson and his family .we new Evelyn for a lot of years and always found her very gratious and welcoming .She will be greatly missed by a lot of people.

Condolence from Anne Lavis on June 30th, 2020 5:16 PM

We are so sorry to read of Evelyn’s passing. It is a pleasure for both of us to have known such a special woman. Evelyn was always friendly and hospitable and her friendship was treasured by our parents as well.
Our thoughts are with all of you, and especially Anson.
Sincerely,
Gord and Anne Lavis

Condolence from Susan and Greg Holmes on June 30th, 2020 5:58 PM

Our heartfelt condolences to Anson and family. Many happy Goshen memories with the McKinleys.

Condolence from Jim and Linda Ferguson on June 30th, 2020 6:00 PM

Karen
Our paths don’t cross often, but we’re surely thinking of you and your family at this time.
Kindest regards.

Condolence from Deborah Harbottle on July 1st, 2020 12:24 AM

I never met this lovely lady, but heard so much about her from her truly amazing daughter Karen. Condolences to the whole family, your Mama was well loved, greatly respected and cherished. Just knowing Karen, she must have been an extraordinary lady ♥️

Condolence from Bob and Helen Coates on July 1st, 2020 1:44 PM

Anson, Karen and the McKinley family. We send our condolences for the loss of a dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. May all your lovely memories be a comfort for you.

Condolence from Jim Chapman on July 1st, 2020 1:58 PM

Anson and Family
My deepest sympathy – you will all miss her but you can have nothing but great memories
She was one of my favourite persons – I’ll miss her too!!

Condolence from Kathy Lobb on July 1st, 2020 2:49 PM

So sorry for your loss of a lovely lady. Her ever-ready smile and kind manner will be missed.
Fred & Kathy Lobb

Condolence from Joan E Whyte on July 1st, 2020 5:15 PM

Our sincere condolences to you Anson, Larry, Karen, Cathy, Mary Lou, Donna and families. Sympathy to the Johns families also. The obituary of her life is all so true. Cherish the memories. Nick and Joan Whyte

Condolence from Phil and Patty LaPorte on July 1st, 2020 10:47 PM

So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our condolences to all the McKinley families.

Condolence from Sandra Schreinert on July 2nd, 2020 7:30 AM

Dear McKinley and Johns Families
The “Doig Girls” send you our love and prayers. We are sad that we can’t all be together to talk over all the memories we share.., the Coleman picnics, the holidays at Aunt Elsie’s, and keeping up with all our extended families.
It seems like only yesterday that we were going to all our parents funerals and now it’s our turn. We were blessed to have Evelyn in our lives all these years, she was a wonderful lady. Anson, what a wonderful family your have and what a long and beautiful life you’ve had together. Take care, love, Sandra (Doig) Schreinert

Condolence from Larry and Ann McBride on July 2nd, 2020 1:13 PM

Anson and family
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to you on the loss of a wonderful lady. Her obituary says it all. She was truly a beautiful person. Hold your memories close.
Larry and Ann McBride

Condolence from Katie Nixon on July 2nd, 2020 2:30 PM

Dear McKinley Family,

Sending you all my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. I am honoured to have known Evelyn and to have worked so closely with her. She will be missed immensely and remembered fondly. I will forever cherish the time we spent together.

Much love,
Katie Nixon

Condolence from Claire Parsons on July 2nd, 2020 4:05 PM

We are so sorry about your mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman who raised strong, resilient, and kind children. What a blessing to have had her as your mom.

Condolence from James Sheldon on July 2nd, 2020 4:48 PM

Dear Cathy and Donna
Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your family with your mom’s passing. You, as well as your community around Zurich can look back upon the tremendous number of people’s lives your mother has touched in a positive manner and were richer for the experience.
Jim and Candace
Jeff and Jennifer

Condolence from Marilyn (Keys) Laing on July 2nd, 2020 10:48 PM

Karen
I would like to extend my condolences to you on the passing of your mother.
I remember her smile and her involvement with Goshen United Church.
On behalf of my father Bruce Keys and myself, we also send our condolences to Anson and to your siblings.
Thinking of you all at this time.

Marilyn (Keys) Laing

Condolence from Bruce Shaw on July 3rd, 2020 12:24 PM

Anson and Family: Really sorry to learn of Evelyn’s passing. She was a tremendous lady with a wry sense of humour. Cathy would keep me up-to-date with the state of Evelyn’s health, and I can appreciate what you have all gone through the last few years, but you will all have great memories of her selfless commitment to her friends and community. She was one of a kind. Enjoy the history she created for you all. Bruce Shaw

Condolence from Joan Elliott on July 3rd, 2020 3:52 PM

Our sympathy to all of Evelyn’s family. I know my parents enjoyed their company so very much through the years. Evert Van Sligtenhorst and Joan Elliott

Condolence from Ken Johns on July 3rd, 2020 6:09 PM

To Anson and my favorite second cousins Larry, Karen, Cathy, Mary Lou, and Donna, please accept my sincere condolences on Evelyn’s passing. In the summer of 1960 I traveled to southern Ontario from Vancouver to visit relatives for the summer. Evelyn was like a big sister to me, and made sure I got to spend some time with you guys. Over the following 4 summers when I returned there, I enjoyed many happy family gatherings at your farm on Sunday afternoons, which often featured delicious half chickens that were barbecued by Anson on the large grates set up on the driveway, along with what seemed like an endless array of farm-grown vegetables, jellied salads and fresh pies. Evelyn made such large gatherings seem so effortless. She was so generous, cheerful, and energetic, and was always able to give more, even when her plate was often very full with the challenges of raising a large family, along with the chores typical of a large farm and hatchery operation. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know all of you those many years ago, and I will continue to cherish the many happy memories from that time. I hope you all can savor the happy memories that Evelyn helped to bring to your lives.

Cousin Ken, & Betsy

Condolence from Yvonne Reynolds on July 4th, 2020 2:55 PM

To Anson ad family and the Johns’s:
I was saddened to hear of Evelyn’s death,
Eleven girl cousins grew up together, Dear Evelyn is the first to leave us. I remember her infectious laugh, her energy and enthusiasm, her love of family.
I also recall visiting Anson and Evelyn in Zurich. During the conversation Anson turned to his wife and said “you are such a blessing o me!” What a tribute to an exceptional person.
She will be missed. My sympathy to all.

Condolence from Janice Andrews on July 4th, 2020 8:39 PM

To the McKinley family……
My Mom, Lorraine Alexander, who now lives at the Exeter Villa asked me to pass along her condolences to the family, especially Anson. Mom remembers so many good times over the years, in particular the lunches with all the cousins.
Janice Andrews

Condolence from Gladys Talbot on July 5th, 2020 11:03 AM

Dear Anson and family,
Mine was only one of the many lives touched by the warmth and compassion of Evelyn’s character. She weaved threads of love and kindness through her family, church, and home communities. May God continue to hold and strengthen you, as you remember her gifts and move forward in His love.

Condolence from Wayne Reibling on July 5th, 2020 11:33 AM

I remember my parents taking us kids to the mckinley’s probably a car with fins, we had two over the years one blue the other yellow, Seeing the farm house and going down the lane was like a dream happening. Aunt Evelyn always greeted us with her smile, she helped create so many cherished memories which will be with me for life. To all the family my heart goes out to you.

Condolence from Randy and Vicki Geoffrey on July 5th, 2020 7:29 PM

Dear Evelyn’s family, we are sorry for your loss it was a pleasure to see those beautiful blue eyes and sweet smile each time I visited my mother at the Bluewater , I always called this was the table for the blue eyed girls. Your father will have a difficult time with out her visits a true testament of unconditional love. Our thoughts and sincere sympathy! Vicki and Randy

Condolence from Debbie Rathwell on July 6th, 2020 6:32 PM

Anson & Family- We are so sorry for you loss. Cherish the wonderful memories you all have a wonderful wife & mother, and keep them close to your heart. Don & Debbie Rathwell & Family

Condolence from Laird Finlayson on July 7th, 2020 12:47 PM

My sincere condolences to Anson and Family. I have many fond memories of both Anson and Evelyn as my wife Ruby and I, in our younger years, worked for them.

Please know I am thinking of all of you.

Condolence from Ruth Barker on July 7th, 2020 2:48 PM

We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Evelyn. I know my parents Mary (McClymont) and Don Barker were very fond of Evelyn and I also remember her friendly warm smile at family functions and Coleman picnics. My Father Don and I would like Anson and family to know we are thinking of you at this time.

Condolence from Jack David on July 7th, 2020 6:40 PM

Dear Anson McKinley and Family

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely Evelyn.
I remember staying with you in Florida, everyday Evelyn would spread out a variety of different plates of food, and always making sure everyone was ok. I remember her calm and relaxing smile, always so inviting. She was very caring and hospitable.
Momorries are tough, but they’re good and I’m sure you have many to reflect on.
You’re very fortunate to have a strong family foundation that is able to help each other during this difficult time.
I know she will be extremely missed, please accept my deepest condolences, and know that my thoughts are with you.

Jack David

Condolence from Alma Westlake on July 7th, 2020 9:48 PM

Anson and family;

Our sympathy to you and your family, in the passing of Evelyn, a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed. You will have many happy memories to recall as a couple, and a family.

Sincerely
Robert and Alma Westlake

Condolence from Dawn, Russell, Bria and Ella Weisz on July 8th, 2020 10:02 AM

Our sincere condolences to Donna and the entire Mckinley family on the passing of Evelyn. You can tell what a wonderful person she was by the incredibly warm and kind family that she raised! Thinking of you all!

Condolence from Christie McCarthy on July 8th, 2020 11:31 AM

Our sincere condolences to all of you I know you all love her so much ❤️
Love Christie and Phil

Condolence from Scott and Brenda Consitt on July 8th, 2020 4:32 PM

So very sorry to hear ofEvelyns passing. She was a pillar of the Varna Goshen community. Our sympathies to you all.

Condolence from Brenda on July 8th, 2020 6:48 PM

Anson & family

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife & mother. Deepest sympathy to all. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers

Richard & Brenda Schilbe

Condolence from Fern & Oliver de Sousa on July 8th, 2020 8:38 PM

So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love, Fern and Oli

Condolence from Laurel (Lavis) Lavigne on July 8th, 2020 10:07 PM

Dear Anson and family,
Rod and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you. Evelyn was such a wonderful lady, always had a smile and twinkle in her eyes, was so easy going, and loved to have fun. She will be dearly missed by so many. We have wonderful memories of our families together that we will cherish. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Laurel and Rod Lavigne

Condolence from Elsie (Doig) Moore on July 10th, 2020 10:44 AM

Anson and family,
Cherished memories. For so many years when I was a child having my yearly summer holiday with Aunt Elsie and Uncle Elgin, my sister Roba and I were welcomed into your home for a visit. In the years since, I always felt her gracious presence and beauty whenever we would meet at events. My husband, Jim, also felt her amazing gift of making others feel comfortable.

Condolence from Donna (Peck) & Wayne Draper on July 11th, 2020 10:05 PM

“May tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that loving Evelyn brought…
For time and space can never divide
Or keep her presence from your side.
When memory paints in colors true,
the happy hours that belonged to you.”
–adapted from Helen Steiner Rice’s words
PS….. It was a beautiful service and I’m so grateful to have been able to “be a part of” it! You are in my heart and my prayers, Anson and your beautiful family 💞

Condolence from Barbara Ann Keys on July 11th, 2020 11:34 PM

Karen, Cathy and Mary Lou
Thinking of you at this time and my deepest condolences for your loss. Still remember vacationing at your home on the Goshen when I was a kid and your Mom taking care of my sunburn after a day at the beach and of course the many choir practices at the Goshen United Church. I remember especially her beautiful smile.
Barbara Ann Keys

Condolence from Gerald and Margaret Hayter on July 12th, 2020 5:10 PM

So sorry to hear of Evelyn passing!
Fond memories of a very nice lady

Condolence from June Cooper on July 12th, 2020 8:26 PM

Anson and family, my deepest sympathy to you all. Evelyn was a wonderful lady, always a smile, great community one, loved her church, and a friend to everyone. I have many memories of the family and was a great neighbour. She will be missed,

Condolence from Greg and Pat Armstrong on July 13th, 2020 9:24 AM

Dear Anson and family
Just wanted to say what a lovely tribute to a lovely wife, mother, grandma, friend. She was always welcoming and never seemed burdened. It is wonderful to hear the fond memories that the grandchildren have! I wanted to bake cookies and wait for the grandkids to come to our house! Our sympathies to you all- Greg and Pat

Condolence from Gerald and Maryiris Reibling on July 13th, 2020 9:46 AM

A life well-lived leaves its gentle pattern on the hearts of all, and the world is a lovlier place because one person touched it with warmth and goodness and grace.

With heartfelt Sympathy to Uncle Anson and cousins Larry, Karen, Cathy, MaryLou and Donna

Condolence from Shawna Reibling, Andrew Cowan, William on July 15th, 2020 5:39 PM

So sorry for your loss of ‘Aunt Evelyn’! I hope the many happy memories you have together can comfort you at this time.

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