CAROLYN MARIE (SPENO) MCKINLEY

Carolyn Marie (Speno) McKinley passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at Valley General Hospital. A church service will be held at St. Barbara’s Church in Black Diamond at 10:30 on Friday, September 20, 2019. There will be a gathering at the church hall followed by the burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. Carolyn was born on July 16, 1938 in Auburn, NY. Carolyn was the youngest of 6 children, 4 sisters and a brother. Her mother passed away when she was 10 years old. Her sister, Philomena, raised her along with her father. Carolyn met Bill McKinley when she was 16 years old. She graduated in 1956 from Auburn High School, NY. She was married on November 9, 1957 to Emmett William McKinley. They lost their first child (Loreen Marie) before she was full term. Carolyn went on to give birth to Stephen in 1959, Anthony in 1960 and Kenneth in 1966. They had their family home built in 1966 in Covington where they raised their three boys and where she resided until her passing. Carolyn was married to Bill for 51 years, he was the love of her life! She enjoyed a life full of good friends and family.

Carolyn and Bill were very loving and committed to their three boys. She was a STANDOUT, as she made cookies for her sons’ sports teams on game days. The teams and her sons enjoyed feeling supported.

While in high school she worked as a Candy Striper at the Auburn Hospital, NY. She also worked for the Kent and Tahoma school districts for most of her working career. Carolyn worked in Olympia for the Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen. Along with Bill, they started a business in 1979. They owned ACC-U-RITE engraving which provided engraving and as well as sold sporting goods. They owned the store together for several years until Bill became ill.

Carolyn liked to be involved and volunteered in many civic events. She was instrumental in the formation of the Police Bicycle Squad for the City of Kent, Parade Chairman for both Meeker Days and Cornucopia Days for several years, President of the Kent Safety Council, President and founding member of the Covington Kiwanis’, an active member of the Maple Valley Citizen Academy and a devoted volunteer at the Tahoma National Cemetery.

Carolyn enjoyed music and going to concerts. The Yankees were both Carolyn and Bill’s favorite baseball team without a doubt. She enjoyed their property at Lake Limerick and especially all the friends and family that gathered there. The couple’s Alaskan Cruise brought her an understanding of Bill’s love for the sea.

She loved and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A very proud Grandma indeed…

Carolyn was a very loving, caring person and would go out of her way to help a friend. She will really be missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her sons: Steve (Colleen), Tony (Kathleen), Ken (Cathy). Grandchildren: Stephanie, Wayne, Brooke, Candice (Jake), Katlin, Holly and Matthew. Great grandchildren; Jasmyne, Payton and Savannah.