Verna Mckinney

Verna McKinney, 86 passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, April 20, 2021, at Treasure Coast Hospice in Fort Pierce. She was born on June 10, 1934, in Saginaw, MI, daughter of the late Russell and Vera (Leese) Liebknecht. She married Robert (Bob) McKinney on December 5, 1970. He predeceased her October 10, 2005.

Surviving to mourn her loss is her sister, Ruth Ann Dunkerley of Saginaw, MI, her three children, Mark (Gayle) Houser of Ludington, MI, Dee (Tom) Cross of Fort Pierce, FL, and Richard (Ann) Houser of Reese, MI. She is also survived by her step children and their spouses, Linda, Nancy, Robert, Janet, and Dan. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins, Verna has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren that will remember her.

Verna graduated from Reese High School in 1952. After graduation she went on to work at Michigan Bell in Saginaw and later worked with her sister, Mo, at Krick’s Bar in Reese, before moving to Florida.

Verna was an avid reader. Every morning she sat at the table reading her paper and doing the puzzles and every evening she read books on her Kindle Fire. (She was on her 8th Kindle!) She also enjoyed trips to the casino and local arcades. During the past few years, Verna crocheted 18 mats for the homeless in St. Lucie County.

In addition to her parents and husband Bob, Verna was predeceased by her brothers and their wives, LaVerne and Gerrie Liebknecht, Don and Nola Liebknecht, her sister and her husband, Mo and Don Heinzman, and her brother-in-law, Sydney Dunkerley.

A gathering for family and friends will take place at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, on April 30, 2021 from 4-6:00 PM with a service to follow at 6:00PM. At a date yet to be determined, an interment service will occur in the Blumfield Cemetery in Reese, MI.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider Sarah’s Kitchen, Treasure Coast Hospice, or a memorial contribution in Verna’s honor to be given to their favorite charity.