Mary Evelyn "Eby" McKinley

Mary Evelyn "Eby" McKinney, 92, died August 19, 2026, in Auburn, IN, surrounded by love.

Mary was born February 11, 1934, in North Vernon, IN to Harold and Olive Hale. Known for her deep love of family, tireless proofreading skills, insatiable wonder, finding balancing a checkbook “fun” and a knack for cornering you at a potluck for a lively conversation–she lived a life full of purpose and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill McKinney. Mary and Bill were married in North Vernon, IN in 1956. They started married life on the USMC base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and eventually settled in Rome City IN, where they lived for over 45 years.

She leaves behind her beloved children – Michael W (Connie) McKinney, of Clearwater, FL and Leigh Ann (Jim) Savage of Fremont IN, who somehow managed to keep her "in line" and out of trouble (mostly) in her later years.

Mary's legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Michael (Karol) McKinney Jr of Paso Azul, Panama and Skyler Buffmyer of Milwaukee, WI. As adults, they continue to follow her example of working hard, loving fiercely, and always having fun along the way. Mary was especially excited to welcome her first great grandson in July 2026, Axton Eliot McKinney Trejos of Paso Azul, Panama.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Ellen VanCleve, and brother Robert Hale, with

whom she shared a lively crew of nieces that she loved very much and who will miss her immensely – Susie, Linda, Nanette, Sharon and Janie.

In the final chapter of her life, Mary found a vibrant community and second home at Astral of Auburn assisted living. She truly loved the staff who cared for her, viewing them not just as caregivers but as an extension of her own family. Her days at Astral were brightened when she met her best friend – Patti Hartman. Together they were two peas in a pod, also known as "double trouble”. They dove into every activity and outing with enthusiasm, bringing a wonderful touch of lighthearted mischief wherever they went.

Over the past year, Mary's circle of caregivers expanded to include Heartland Hospice, who gave her care, kindness, and compassion. The entire Heartland Hospice team quickly became like family to Mary.

Mary's life was a reminder that we can be richer in ways that matter. She was a daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, and she was really, really, really good at it.

In lieu of flowers, please help continue to fight Type 1 Diabetes by sending a donation in Mary’s name to: Breakthrough T1D, 200 Vesey Street - 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281, *place In Memory of Mary McKinney in the memo line of your check.

Or an online donation at BreakthroughT1D.com *Acknowledge “In Memory of Mary McKinney” with your online donation.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Burial will be in Orange Cemetery near Rome City at a later date.

View a video tribute after Tuesday, or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com