Mary McKenna

Mary Louise McKenna, 93, of Eastport, passed away April 6, 2015 near Charlotte, North Carolina. Mary Lou was born March 8, 1922, in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Hubert and Gertrude Ratliff. She earned her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate from the University of Michigan; her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Detroit. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade for the Michigan Public School System for over 37 years. Mary Lou married Jack McKenna in 1952. After retirement they enjoyed many years traveling between Gulf Shores, AL, Tucson, AZ, and Eastport, MI. In 1987 they settled permanently in Eastport. Mary Lou was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids, a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King, enjoyed singing in choirs, and participated in numerous book clubs. Mary Lou is survived by her son, Gary (Paula) McKenna, daughter, Shirley (Jim) Stuart, grandchildren Nikki McKenna, Franklin (Beth) McKenna, Jack McKenna, James McKenna, Charles McKenna, Ronald Parsons, Robert Parsons, two great-grandsons Emmett and Everett McKenna, three special nieces and nephews and the Bodis family, whose lives she shared daily. She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jack McKenna, brother, Donald Ratliff, daughter Karen Sanders and granddaughter Suzanne Frahm. A private family service will be held in early summer. Friends planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to "With a Little Help From My Friends", a favorite organization of Mary Lou's, offering protection and compassion to local animals; 3820 Ritt Road, Bellaire, MI 49615 or online at walhfmf.org.