Caroline Helen McKee, 87, formerly of Hutchinson, died October 11, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living in McPherson. She was born March 10, 1938, in Wild Cherry, AR, to Raymond Orland and Grace Teresa (Conway) Shong.
Caroline graduated from Ellinwood High School, Hutchinson Community Junior College, and received her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She worked over 20 years for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), in the Food Stamp program (now known as Kansas Department for Children and Families or DCF). After retiring from SRS, Caroline worked at the Hutchinson Public Library. She was elegant, yet onery, and enjoyed riding on the back of her son, Christopher’s motorcycle. Caroline also had an appreciation for horses, plants, and cats. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Caroline was of the Catholic faith.
Caroline is survived by: son, Christopher McKee (Rhonda) of McPherson; daughter, Teresa Schartz of Texas; grandchildren, Devin McKee (Amanda) of Bennington, KS, Kaley McKee of Moundridge, Jonas Jones of Texas, and Candace Valadez (Kristopher) of South Carolina; great-grandchildren, Brooke McWhorter, Brady McKee, Bryley Roush, Brett Edwards, and Brin Edwards; and her two spoiled feline babies.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; stepfather, Raymond H. Cox; brothers, Russell Shong and Richard Shong; and sister, Stella Owens.
Celebration of Life graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Avenue, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Public Library or Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.