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In memory of

Arlene McKinley

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 94

Arlene Lucille McKinley was born June 26, 1920, at Custer, South Dakota, the oldest child of Kerfred Beck and Flora (Mann) Beck. She grew up in Custer and graduated from Custer High School in 1939. She then went to Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa.

After graduating from there, she moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania, and helped in a church where her sister and husband pastored. After a period, she returned to South Dakota and attended Spearfish College and received her teaching degree. She taught in the Hills and then Faith, South Dakota.

In 1946, Arlene was united in marriage to Clarence McKinley and lived in Midland the rest of her life. To that union were born two sons, Dallas and Everette LaVay.

She taught accordion and guitar for years in Midland. Arlene loved traveling, her many varieties of birds, and gardening. She was a devoted mother, a great cook, and homemaker. Everything was always organized and each day had its list. If it was the day to deep clean a room, she didn’t go to bed until it was done. We will miss her very much.

Survivors include two sons Dallas McKinley and his wife Kaye of Midland, and Everette LaVay McKinley of Philip; five grandchildren, Matthew McKinley and Gabrielle McKinley, both of Rapid City, SD, Dallas "Terrill" and his wife, Sarah of Pierre, Autumn Mann and her husband Jeff, and Zachary McKinley and his wife Jessica all of Huron, SD; and two step-grandchildren Sarasue Fields and Crystal Scott; ten great grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Harry Crawford of Washington, Missouri; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Clarence on February 3, 2012; a sister Dona Willard; and a brother Grant Beck.

Visitation was held one hour preceding the services on Monday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, at the Open Bible Church in Midland.

Interment was at the Midland Cemetery.

FUNERAL SERVICES
10:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2014
Open Bible Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Andrew Blye
Pastor Jeff Mann
MUSIC
Kim Bierle - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“In the Garden”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Shorty Woitte - Bob Evans
PALLBEARERS
Seth McKinley - Ron Doud
Caleb McKinley - Paul TerMeer
Judah McKinley – Wylie Schwalm
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Visitation: one hour preceding the services on Monday.

Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, at the Open Bible Church in Midland.

Interment: Midland Cemetery.

  • Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family to a great lady that we all knew as "Kewpie". We know that she will be missed in the community and by her family and loved ones. She and CE were a big part of the Ostlien family lives for many years. ~ Dale & Dollie Ostlien and Family 618 FM 89 Abilene TX, 79606 (8/2/2014)
  • Dallas & Kaye, LaVay, & families,

    So sorry to hear about your Mother, Grandma, & Great-Grandma. She was always Mrs. McKinley to me and so enjoyed her wittiness and smile. She was one of a kind and enjoyed her so much when visiting with her. May God Bless her!! May God bless you all as well and will keep her and all of you in our prayers.     ~ Jody & Gary Block Midland, SD (8/2/2014)
  • Am so sorry to read about Mrs. McKinley I remember her playing so quickly the song when the Saints come marching in at a New Years church party at our home north of Midland and smiling like she is doing being with Pastor McKinley again. Love and Prayers to you all. Connie ~ Connie Lee 126 Rhodes Ave. Apt 133 Springdale, AR 72764 (8/2/2014)
  • We were sorry to hear about Mrs. McKinley's passing. Samantha and I always enjoyed visiting with her when we delivered eggs. She was quite a lady and will be missed by many. Our condolences to the entire family. Julie ~ Joe, Julie and Samantha Schwalm Midland, SD (8/2/2014)