Mary Belle McKee

Mary Belle (Preece) McKee, 98 of South Charleston, OH died Wednesday, November 27, 2024 after a brief hospital stay.

She was born November 22, 1926 in Martin Co. KY the daughter of the late Cornelius and Mary Smith Preece.

Mary Belle was a remarkable woman of faith and family, and lived a long and fulfilling life. Born in the heart of rural Kentucky, she was raised on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family.

As a young woman, Mary Belle met and married Frank McKee, the love of her life. Together, they built a beautiful family and a warm and loving home. She was a devoted wife and mother, always putting the needs of her family first.

Mary Belle was a woman of many talents. She was an excellent cook, loved bowling, and listening to gospel music. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, always eager to cheer on her family at sporting events. She looked forward to watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete, her heart filled with pride as she witnessed their athletic abilities and accomplishments. She was also a passionate sports fan, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, Duke Blue Devils, and Kentucky Wildcats.

Throughout her life, Mary Belle remained deeply connected to her faith. Her unwavering belief in God provided her with strength and comfort during both joyful and challenging times.

As she aged, Mary Belle continued to be a source of love and wisdom for her family. She was always there to offer a listening ear, a comforting hug, or a piece of practical advice. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, but her legacy of love, faith, and resilience will live on.

In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband Frank McKee, ten brothers John D. Preece, Neely Preece, Abe Preece, Calep Preece, Phillip Preece, Harvey Preece, Ira Preece, Cecil Preece, Carl Preece, Walker Preece, Cyrus Preece, and three sisters Maude Childers, Irene Myers and Ethel Preece ,one daughter, Pamela (McKee) Hennigan, and two great grandchildren, Morgan and Mackenzie McKee.

Survivors include two sons Mark (Lonja) McKee of Springfield, OH and Frank (Sarah) McKee Jr. of Catawba, OH and son-in-law Eddie Hennigan. She is also survived by one sister Dorothy Mae (Preece) Ritchie of Shelbyville KY, eight grandchildren Ed (Laura) Hennigan, Jr, Melissa (Scott) Hunter and Eric (Shannon) Hennigan, Brad McKee, Chad (Kacey) McKee, Brandie (Phil) Grim, Andrew McKee and Mason McKee, twelve great grandchildren Aaron, Garrett, Lindsey, Mitchell, Derek, Alison, Zach, Maddy, Hayden, Mallory, Bryce and Shelby, one great great grandchild, Brynn, several nieces and nephews including Sheree and Kim Myers and dearest family friends Lou Yoder and Jerry Waugh.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Ingling & Lewis Funeral Home, 24 N. Chillicothe St. South Charleston, OH 45368. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park, Springfield, OH.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home on Friday, December 13, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cherish Hospice, Springfield, OH.