Mary Ellen Lydia McKinney

Mary Ellen McKinney passed away January 31st, 2023, in Portland with her husband and daughter by her side. She was 84. Mary Ellen was a special, loving person who had an impact on many people's lives and will be deeply missed every day. Her authenticity, nurturing heart, and combination of class and spunk endeared her to everyone. Her husband of 65 years, Gene, and children Mike, Karen and Daren and grandchildren Joey, Andy, Emma, Megan, Kandra and Gavin are mourning her loss as they celebrate her life. Tragically, their son Doug preceded in her in death, passing away in 1989 at 26.

Dedicated to Others’ Happiness

Mary Ellen's entire adult life was dedicated to the wellbeing of her family. Not only her own children and husband, but also her many siblings and nieces and nephews. Whether it was a daily phone call, a card or letter, or a one-on-one connection during family gatherings, she let everyone know they were special and had a unique relationship with each of them. She was a shining example of someone who felt and showed absolute unconditional love.

A Grounded Sparkling Gem

Gracious, calm, and balanced, Mary Ellen exuded elegance and integrity, yet shared an effervescent silly side with family and close friends that made her a unique and charming person that everyone enjoyed being around.

It seemed surprising to many that this poised lady filled with decorum grew up on a remote New Mexico cattle ranch. Mary Ellen was born May 23,1938 to Jose Placido Tapia and Pablita (Sanchez) Tapia near the tiny town of Pastura in central New Mexico. Both her parents' families had been ranching in the area for many generations. Mary Ellen had five sisters and two brothers, five of which preceded her in death. She is survived by sisters Pearl Marr of Yakima and Vivian Hindi of New Mexico.

Love and Starting Out in Life

Mary Ellen left New Mexico in high school when her family ventured to Benton City, Washington for a few seasons. When finishing school, she met her partner for life, Gene McKinney. Gene, who had recently located there from his home state of Nebraska, swept Mary Ellen off her feet and they married on November 2, 1957, when she was 19 and he was 20. They began their family a year later when Mike was born.

Their early married life had them traveling for Gene's work in the telephone industry. Mary Ellen showed her resourcefulness and giving nature their first year of marriage, providing a full Thanksgiving dinner for Gene and her parents in a small motel room.

After stints in Blaine Washington, Crescent City, California and Atlanta, Georgia, they returned to the Tri-Cities, Washington area where their children Karen and Doug were born.

The Summer of Her Life

In 1964 they moved to Yakima where their fourth child Daren was born, and where they lived for 22 years. They had many great friends there and Mary Ellen was active in the Yakima Ladies Tennis Club and Junior League.

They ventured to Spokane in 1986 and then to the Seattle area for a few years before selling their home and touring the country in an RV for two years. They returned to Yakima for a short period and then moved to Keizer, Oregon in 2001. There Mary Ellen enjoyed being involved in the lives of children and grandchildren as well as living an active lifestyle on McNary Golf Course where she enjoyed the Ladies Golf Club and Social Committee.

Autumn

Mary Ellen and Gene moved to the Portland area in 2017 to be closer to their daughter after Mary Ellen suffered a series of strokes and relied on a wheelchair. Gene lovingly cared for her and continued to give her a wonderful active life, most recently at Russellville Retirement Community where they moved in 2020 and were sweetly crowned Valentines King and Queen last year.

The world lost a very bright light on January 31st, but Mary Ellen is at peace and her family is comforted picturing her reunited with all her loved ones that passed before her. They will be having a private service Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 pm.