Shirley McKee

Shirley McKee, 70, of Connersville, IN, passed away October 2nd, 2025, after a long 12-year battle with cancer.

She was born in Eubank, Kentucky to Fayne and Fannie (Hall) Whitaker, on August 10, 1955. She moved to Connersville in 1973 after finishing high school where she began working at JC McCrearys grocery and became fast friends with a customer who introduced her to her son. A few short months later Shirley married the love of her life Eugene W. “Bill” McKee II on September 14th, 1974. They were able to spend 51 years together.

For years Shirley worked at Cox New Market. Starting in the gift department, then deli, and ultimately the meat department, where she finally left when Cox was sold. She worked for Chartwells with the school corporation before retiring in 2017. Shirley was an avid crafter, gardener and talented cook and baker and was affectionately called a pie wizard.

Those left to cherish her memories include her husband Bill, daughters: Cassie (David) Combs and Shalon (Mike) Turner, all of Connersville. Grandchildren: Chandler (Faith) Wilson and Maize (Kyle Drew) Browning. Great grandchildren: Dixie, Nova and Brantley Wilson and Avery Drew. Brothers: Glen (Donna) Whitaker and Donald (Bernice) Whitaker. Sisters in law: Dawn Waters and Fawn (Joe) Toney and several nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents and mother- in-law Phyllis Ellison.

Visitation for Shirley’s family and friends will be conducted from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville. The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Showalter Blackwell Long. Interment will follow in Laurel North Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society.