Ira "Ernie" McKee

Ira "Ernie" McKee Jr., 85, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Central Washington Hospital. Ernie was born on May 12, 1927 to Ira and Bessie (Lawson) Mckee Sr. at home in Monitor, WA. One of five children, he was raised on the family orchard where he could ride his beloved horse "Lady" through the hills; he attended school through grade 8 in Monitor and through grade 11 at Cashmere High School. He joined the Army in 1945 where he was trained as an electrician. After leaving the service he returned to Monitor where he took a job at Fruit Growers Service. Shortly thereafter met and courted Barbara Drader for two years before marrying her on November 14, 1949. Together they made their home in Monitor and raised three daughters. He worked a short time as a body & fender man before training as a mechanic at Studebaker. He retired at age 62 from Joe Welty Ford as a Special Electrical Mechanic. Throughout the years he and Barbara would spend their free time enjoying outings with the girls, camping, fishing, boating and snowmobiling. As the girls got married these adventures included the husbands, children and grand children, and you could always expect friends to join in as well. His great-grandchildren endearing refer to him as "Grumps". He enjoyed carpentry and was the "Go To" handyman for any fix needed on the home. He believed in "quality work" and that is exactly what he gave. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Albert McKee, Charles McKee and sister, Alma Spanjer. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, daughters, Deborah (Jon) Ramey, Monitor, Sharon Cockrum, Monitor, Nancy (Roy Nelson) McKee, East Wenatchee; sister, Iris McLaughlin, Seattle, WA; six grandsons, Shon (Deanna) Ramey, East Wenatchee, Ben Ramey, Monitor, Brian (LeAnna) Cockrum, Moses Lake, Ian (April Sands) Cockrum, Monitor, David Nelson, Spokane, Michael Nelson, Lake Stevens, WA; and seven great-grandchildren, Samera Ramey, Tanner Ramey, Mikhayla Ramey, Jonathon Ramey, Angel Ramey, Skylar Sands, Kalen Cockrum and Ty Cockrum. A Remembrance Gathering will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 1-4 pm at 3221 Allyn Lane, Monitor. Family and friends are invited to visit his online tribute and leave memories and condolences for his family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Ira "Ernie" McKee

April 12, 1927 - January 27, 2013