Obituary of Nima Joyce McKee

Nima J. McKee, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on December 19, 2022 at Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona after a short but valiant battle against COVID-related pneumonia. She was a young 86 year old with a bright spirit and a love for life.  She has joined her beloved husband Larry McKee who left us on January 1, 2022.

Nima was born on April 11, 1936 in Wichita, Kansas to Roland C. Donoho and Opal M. Donoho (nee Madison). While growing up in Wichita, Nima showcased her musical talents by participating in her school’s orchestra. During high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from East High School with honors. In April 1955, she married Larry McKee, her partner in life for over 66 years.

Nima became a homemaker and caring, hardworking mother to two boys named Kevin and Aaron. She devoted her life to her husband, her boys, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She spent her entire life residing in Sedgwick County, Kansas where she touched the lives of others through her kindness and grace.

The McKee family moved from Wichita to Clearwater, Kansas in 1968 and placed strong roots in this rural community. They became members of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where they honored the Lord with faithful hearts. Nima blessed the community as a devoted Christian lady through her participation in various church roles. For instance, she utilized her creative, generous spirit through leadership duties as a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Additionally, she played an important part in planning weddings, life celebrations, and dinners held at the church. As a result of her remarkable compassion and loving nature, Nima received a Service Emeritus award from the church in 2015.

Nima made the difficult choice to pull up her roots in the beautiful sunflower state of Kansas in order to be close to family in the desert landscape of Tucson, Arizona. Nima was surrounded by her sons, daughter-in-law Lisa, and grandchildren Conner, Colter, and Sarah when she passed. Her family ensured that she passed in a room full of love and peace. Survivors include sons Kevin ((Lisa), Conner, Colter, and Sarah) and Aaron ((Thea), Mike and Katie).

Nima’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and service. She always offered to help others in any way possible during times of need, whether that need came from members of her church family, her friends, or her own family. She will always be remembered as one who walked with Jesus.

Nima’s kind and gentle nature will always be with us in our hearts. Her memory will burn bright within friends and family. We know she is together with Larry in Heaven, in the loving embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her beautiful, kind spirit is looking down on us with love and the fondest of memories. A memorial has been established with First Christian Church in Clearwater, Kansas. We should all remember that every ending brings a new beginning.