Udena Elizabeth (Gorrell) McKee

Udena Elizabeth McKee, 89, of Falun, Kan., passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025. She was born on June 19, 1935, in Salina, Kan., to Albert and Hazel (Shelton) Gorrell, and remained a life-time Saline County resident.

Udena was united in marriage to Keith G. McKee on November 4, 1952, in Abilene, Kan. She worked at Tony’s Pizza from 1971-88, before spending the remainder of her career as a foster Grandma. She kept very busy by volunteering at Tacol thrift shop, in Lindsborg, Kan., coaching women’s softball, and caring for her sister Charlotte for many years. On top of her various activities, she worked as a nurse’s aide in many nursing homes in the area.

She was a passionate Royals fan, where she got to throw the first pitch at a game for Foster Grandmother’s Day. She also enjoyed watching the Chiefs as long as the Royals weren’t on at the same time. Udena was a simple woman who enjoyed attending church and reading her bible and when she found time she liked to visit the salon to have her hair done.

Udena’s passion in life was found when she became a foster grandma. Often when she was out little children would come up to her and say “grandma!” and she would greet them with a warm hug. She was a caring person who made a loving and positive impact on many of these children.

Survivors include her children, Allan McKee and wife Cheryl of Erie, Kan., Elizabeth Kibler and husband Dennis of Falun, and Darrell McKee and wife Lola of Culver, Kan.; grandchildren, Travis McKee (Amanda), Amy McKee, Brian McKee, Denny Kibler Jr. (Cathy), Christopher Kibler (Jennifer), Chad Kibler (Hilary), Robbie Bergman, J.R. Bergman (Stacey), Dale Hays (Mary), and Kelly Winslow (Kurby); great grandchildren, Josh Kibler, Caden Kibler, Cael Kibler, Tessa McKee, Kay McKee; and great-great grandchild, T.J. McKee.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 41 years, Keith; daughter, Linda Holt; son, Donald McKee; two infant brothers; and her sisters, Alberta Savoy, Freda Harbaugh, Charlotte Ashton.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St, Salina, KS 67401, from 4 to 8 p.m., with family present from 6-8. The funeral service will be on Friday, January 17, at 10 a.m. at New Community Christian Church, 530 E. Cloud St. Salina, with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina.

Memorial donations may be made in Udena’s honor to New Community Christian Church, care of the church or Ryan Mortuary.

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