Yvonne Natalie (Bonnie) McKee, 91, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024 at Wooster Hospice Life Care Center after complications from falling.
She was born on August 26, 1932 to Clarence Henry Smith and Mary Elizabeth “Swartz” Smith in Cleveland, Ohio. She moved to Wooster, Ohio at a young age and graduated from Wooster High School in the class of 1950. On April 15, 1951 she married a boy she knew from childhood, Ralph Dwight McKee. They built a home on the McKee family farm in 1955 and raised three children. She was a homemaker, worked at Frito Lay, and at Bell & Howell, retiring in 1989 to babysit a granddaughter. She became involved in flower arranging, being a 4-H advisor and watching her grandchildren grow up. She and her husband enjoyed water skiing, horse shows, and riding their Goldwing motorcycle.
She is survived by her daughter Sherry Lynn Napier and spouse Bill Napier and another son-in-law, David Mandley. Grand-children Cody (Chelsea) Napier, Brandy Napier, Cortney (JD) Breneman, Morgan (Spencer Young) Mandley, Cassandra (Darren) Dawson, and Chip McKee. Great-grand-children Chloe Yvonne Napier, Banks Breneman, Megan Dawson, Maddie Dawson, and Tristan Keehn.
Deceased are her husband Ralph Dwight McKee, son Randy Dwight McKee, daughter Vicki Sue Mandley, her parents mother Mary Smith Zaring and father Clarence Smith, step-brother Edward Swartz and wife Helen. Also, her step-father Wade Zaring who raised her from age 10 and two step-sisters Dorothy Ramsier and Portia Gaske.
Arrangements are being made by McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, Ohio.
There will be no calling hours, but a private family service will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Dwight and Bonnie were always the nicest people. They were so proud of their children too
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady and was proud of you all.
We are so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. She was such a great lady. So kind and sweet. You have our deepest condolences.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you and praying for all of you ❤️
Sherry, deepest condolences to your family. Your mom was a wonderful person.
My condolences to Bonnie’s family. She was a wonderful person and I have fond memories of her while working at Bell and Howell.
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear the passing of your mom. I always loved her and she was one of the sweetest people I know. I hope you’re doing well. Maybe I’ll get to see you at the fair. Prayers to you my friend. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sherry and family, I’m so sorry. Bonnie was such a sweetheart and such a classy lady. Sending hugs and warmest condolences ❤️
Bonnie was a great person, enjoyed her visits.
Loved Bonnie and Dwight as my 4-H leaders(Ghost Riders) She was the nicest person and so pretty. God gained an angel 😇
Sorry to hear about your mother, very nice parents attended a party at your parents home. A friend and 1975 class mate of Sherrys. Kim Arwood. Take care.
Bonnie and Dwight were friends of my mother and Randy a Triway Classmate. Randy’s parents took care of him as his health faltered. They always took time to stop and talk with us before and after my mother’s death. They were full of love and hugs. I still miss Dwight and Randy and will miss them all forever.
I so enjoyed knowing both Bonnie and Dwight. They were both wonderful people. I did your mom”s hair for a long time when I was still working. So sorry to hear your mom has passed, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Bonnie is such a special lady! She never seemed to age- She is one of the most beautiful ladies I know! I always enjoyed my conversations with her and will miss her smile and soft voice. We are definitely blessed with the best neighbors (even though the original neighbors are now looking down on us ). You have our condolences. Sending love to you all!
My condolences to all of Bonnies family. She was one special lady, always with a smile. Rest in peace Bonnie.