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.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Shawna Reibling, Andrew Cowan, William
So sorry for your loss of ‘Aunt Evelyn’! I hope the many happy memories you have together can comfort you at this time.
Gerald and Maryiris Reibling
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
Greg and Pat Armstrong
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
June Cooper
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,
Gerald and Margaret Hayter
So sorry to hear of Evelyn passing!
Fond memories of a very nice lady
Barbara Ann Keys
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
Donna (Peck) & Wayne Draper
“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 💞
Elsie (Doig) Moore
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.
Laurel (Lavis) Lavigne
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
Fern & Oliver de Sousa
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Fern and Oli
Brenda
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
Scott and Brenda Consitt
So very sorry to hear ofEvelyns passing. She was a pillar of the Varna Goshen community. Our sympathies to you all.
Christie McCarthy
Our sincere condolences to all of you I know you all love her so much ❤️
Love Christie and Phil
Dawn, Russell, Bria and Ella Weisz
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!
Alma Westlake
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
Jack David
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
Ruth Barker
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.
Laird Finlayson
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.
Debbie Rathwell
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
Randy and Vicki Geoffrey
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
Wayne Reibling
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.
Gladys Talbot
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.
Janice Andrews
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
Yvonne Reynolds
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.
Ken Johns
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
Joan Elliott
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
Bruce Shaw
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
Marilyn (Keys) Laing
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
James Sheldon
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
Claire Parsons
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.
Katie Nixon
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
Larry and Ann McBride
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
Sandra Schreinert
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
Phil and Patty LaPorte
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our condolences to all the McKinley families.
Joan E Whyte
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
Kathy Lobb
So sorry for your loss of a lovely lady. Her ever-ready smile and kind manner will be missed.
Fred & Kathy Lobb
Jim Chapman
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!!
Bob and Helen Coates
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.
Deborah Harbottle
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 ♥️
Jim and Linda Ferguson
Karen
Our paths don’t cross often, but we’re surely thinking of you and your family at this time.
Kindest regards.
Susan and Greg Holmes
Our heartfelt condolences to Anson and family. Many happy Goshen memories with the McKinleys.
Anne Lavis
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
Jim & Kate Keys
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.
Nancy Ducharme
Thinking of you and your families at this sad time.
Carol LeBeau
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
Hayley Linfield
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.
Jeff Hayter
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!
Bryon Lempriere/Mary Davies
Terribly sorry about your loss. A lady once known never forgotten. Our sincerest condolences.
Ken and Margaret Caldwell
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.
Margaret Hern
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)
Joan and Jack Powell
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
Delbert Shewfelt
Anson my sympathy to you and your family, Evelyn was a lovely person
The Blair Family
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
Judy Mills
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
Evelyn Vincent
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.
Eve Robbins
Sending our love and condolences to you all.
Eve and Lawrence Robbins
MJ Pennings
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.
Jim Knox
Condolences from the Knox Family. Sorry to hear of Evelyn,s passing.
Allan & Marjorie Hayter
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.
Bruce McBride
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
Leanne Lempriere
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.
Bob Fisher
Sorry to hear of Evelyns passing,my sincere sympathies to you Ansen and your family
Doug and Joyce McBeath
Anson and family our sympathy and prayers go out to you in your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother
Donna O'Brien
Anson and family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy.You will cherish the wonderful memories Evelyn has given you !
Marge Schilbe
Sorry of your loss of Evelyn Anson, you will miss your daily visits with her. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rick & Ann LeBeau
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
Chuck & Tanya Tanya Erb
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.
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
So sorry for your loss of a lovely lady .