Shirley Maxine McKinney

March 17, 1930 - February 9, 2017

Heaven welcomed its newest Angel, Shirley Maxine McKinney. At the age of 86, she passed away peacefully on February 9, 2017 with her family by her side after losing her battle with Alzheimer's. Born March 17, 1930 in Butler, Shirley was the daughter of the late Howard L Houston, Sr. and Lucille Reynolds Houston. Shirley was a housewife and stay at home mom which her family wouldn't have wanted any other way. Her passion for others was impeccable as she was always wanting to reach out with her kind heart to help someone. Besides her family being her biggest pride and joy, Shirley had a true love for her dogs. Her family couldn't remember a time without one. One of her biggest passions was the game of baseball as she spent many years at the ball field with her husband and children. As an avid Pirate fan, she enjoyed watching and attending the games with her husband, children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling to Branson with her husband, brother and sister in law. Shirley also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, family vacations and spending time with her grandkids. Her strong faith in God was always number one in her life. She always said as long as she had God in her life she could make it through anything. She was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served on several committees over the years. She looked forward each week to serving at Katie's Kitchen until her illness started to get the best of her. Surviving are her three children; Debra Spencer, Tammy (Sonny) Hassler and Ron (Pam) McKinney of Butler; six grandchildren, Tasha (Justin) Ponteous, Alyssa (Caleb) Dodd, Ashley (Jeremy) Stirling, Linley Spencer, Samantha McKinney and Cameron Hassler of Butler; two step-grandchildren Ross (April) Hassler of Sarver and Ryan (Kiley) Hassler of Altoona; eight great grandchildren, Maddyson and Jacob Allen, Paige, Peyton and Jacob Ponteous, Madelyn Gould, Brody and Rhys Stirling; eight step-great grandchildren, Maliah, Ava, Scotlyn and Ryker Hassler, Luke,Eli, Lucy and Grant Hassler. Also, surviving are her sister, Thelma Bauldauf of Butler and her brother, Howard "Pinky" Houston, Jr. of Carlisle and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life , Richard James "Jim" McKinney, whom she married on June 1, 1952 and died on April 27, 2003, a son, Rick McKinney, a sister, Catherine Green-Barg and a granddaughter, Shannon McKinney. Friends will be received at Young Funeral Home, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler, on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 with services from Trinity Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 11 AM with her Pastor Joel Benson officiating. Burial in Butler County Memorial Park. Donations can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, the Butler County Humane Society or to Alzheimer's.