Gloria Jean Mckinney

Gloria Jean McKinney (Jean)- Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. It is with great sorrow that we share Jean's passing at the age of 86. Jean passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by family on Jul 14, 2024.

Jean was born in Port Allegany, PA, on May 20, 1938, to Albert and Helen Cleveland. Jean was the third of eleven children. In the winter of 1949, Jean's parents moved the family to Lander, WY, a move that would set lifetime roots for Jean. In 1957, while working at the theater in town, she met and soon married the love of her life, William (Bill) McKinney, whom she described as "tall, dark and handsome with jet black hair". Together they raised seven children. Jean was employed as a bank teller as well as a clerk for Montgomery Wards. She also helped Bill's sister Irene Bernier at the Fremont Cafe until a tragic fire destroyed the motel. In 1965 Bill's roofing company (McKinney Roofing) was beginning to take shape. As the business expanded, Jean was instrumental in the day-to-day operations and bookkeeping for the growing business. While still active in the business, Jean began working at Westward Heights as an activity aid. She did this for 23 years, sharing her compassion, wisdom and love with the residents and enriching the lives of those in her care. After she retired, she volunteered behind the scenes with the United Methodist Thrift Shop.

Jean loved outdoor time spent with family, whether it was fishing, sage grouse hunting, or camping. A wonderful historian, Jean loved to write about family, trips and her many adventures exploring the country and visiting family with her sister and best friend Rosemary. Some of her most treasured times included long rides in the countryside with Bill in the latter years. Jean loved to sew. She loved growing and tending to her beautiful flowers and just being outside in the yard. Above all she treasured the time spent with her family, especially grandkids and great grandkids. Jean's love for her family was unconditional and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Jean is preceded in death by parents Albert and Helen Cleveland; brothers, Lawrence, Donald, Bruce, Tommy, Paul, and Mike; sister, Susan Carpenter; husband, William McKinney; son, Ron McKinney.

She is survived by brother, Jack (Las Vegas); sisters, Rosemary Martin (Lander) and Carol Foster (Wisconsin); sons, Kevin, Steven, Gregory, Kim (all of Lander); daughter, Michele (Lander) and Joan (Casper); and 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren.

Jean had a strong faith and knew she was a child of God. She loved Jesus and knew the Lord as her savior and is now resting in His heavenly home.

Graveside Services will be held Monday, Jul 22, 2024, at Mount Hope Cemetery at 10am.

Please sign the on-line guestbook: hudsonsfh.com.