Patricia W. McKinley

On November 5, 2024, our loving mother Patricia McKinley passed away. She was 96 years old and enjoyed a long and joyful life. A lifelong lover of music, Patricia dreamed of being a concert pianist. Although she never achieved her dream, she enjoyed playing everything from Bach to Beethoven to Broadway musicals to entertain family and friends. Patricia was born in Rocky Ford, Colorado, in 1928 to Charles and Waive Williams. She was the fifth of six children, and she was the last surviving member of the Charles Williams family. After graduating from Rocky Ford High School, Patricia attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, earning a degree in Music in 1950. While in school, Patricia met Robert (Bob) McKinley, and they married in September of 1949. Patricia and Bob lived in several towns in Colorado in the 1950s and early 1960s. In 1961, Bob earned a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Colorado and they moved the family to Hayward, California. Upon Bob’s untimely passing in 1969, Patricia obtained a degree in teaching and began to teach elementary school in California. In 1972, Patricia accepted an offer to teach music to the elementary schools in Rocky Ford, Colorado. She created a variety of music programs to develop musical interests in children that would last for their lifetimes. She taught music in Rocky Ford until 1987 when she “retired” (the first time). In 1990, Patricia moved to Corvallis, Oregon, to be closer to her sons and her grandchildren. She came out of retirement in 1991 to teach elementary music in the Corvallis area. She then retired from teaching in 1996. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano for her church (First Presbyterian of Corvallis) for many years. Patricia lived in a variety of locations in Corvallis, but she thoroughly enjoyed her years at Samaritan Village and Timber Hill, where she developed great friendships and played the piano for the residents. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Patricia is survived by her four sons: Michael (Jana) McKinley, Patrick (Sharon) McKinley, Kirk (the late Cheryl) McKinley and Kevin (Lori) McKinley; grandchildren: Kyle (Madeline) McKinley, Tessa (Chris) Haynes, Brien (Kaitlin) Celestre, Kevin (Arin) McKinley, Keith (Lauri) McKinley, Molly (Brent) Sponsel, Truk McKinley, Erin (Matt) Lukowiak, Megan McKinley and Jennifer McKinley; and great-grandchildren: Zinnia, Olivia, Adrian, Adella, Bennett, Keaton, Kaylie, Juliet, Isaac, Zoe, Zach, Jordan and Kate. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob and her granddaughter Katherine Theresa McKinley. The family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life (or Memorial Service) to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis on December 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm with a brief reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church Music Fund, 114 SW 8th St, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 or an organization of your choice.

Patricia W. McKinley

May 6, 1928 - November 5, 2024