Roberta “Berta” McKee
Long-time Edmonds resident, Roberta “Berta” L. McKee, school teacher, church organist and philanthropist, died on December 27, 2024 at age 94. She was born on November 5, 1930 in Mount Vernon, WA to Robert H. McKee and Gwendolyn L. (Tucker) McKee. Her closest friend was younger sister Marjorie “Marjie” (McKee) Cadwallader (1934-2004). They grew up on a dairy farm in Avon, WA. Both were graduates of Seattle Pacific College (now University). Roberta also completed studies at University of Washington.
You are invited to attend a memorial service at 2 pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Little White Church – North Sound, 404 Bell Street, Edmonds, walking distance from Roberta’s Edmonds home. (Please remember the time change: Spring forward on Sunday.) A burial of rest will be on Monday, March 10 in Burlington also 2 pm. Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is assisting the family with arrangements.
Roberta’s family thanks the staff at Crista Senior Living, Shoreline, WA for her excellent care. Donations in Roberta’s honor may be made to a charity of your choosing.
Roberta was an amazing woman. Both of my daughters had “Miss McKee” as their kindergarten teacher. My parents, Les and Gerry Hanvey, were friends with Roberta and her mother Gwen as they all attended “The Little White Church” together. She loved the Lord and had the heart of a servant.
We had a reception at my parents home after my sister’s memorial service. After a half hour or so, Roberta and Gwen came marching in the back and said: “we’re here to wash dishes.”
And they did. So typical of both of them. We loved them!
Roberta was such a wonderful, kind, Christian woman! We met when she moved into my condo complex and we became friends. The years I spent helping her off and on after she moved to Crista will always remain in my memory. I oftentimes brought my dog, Buddy and he enjoyed seeing her and she him. And, the stories she used to tell, oh what a story teller she was!
I’ll never forget the time we had together in August 2015 when I drove her to the McKee family picnic. Such a fun day and so nice to meet several of her relatives!
Dear Roberta, so special and never to be forgotten!
Roberta was a very special lady. Steadfast and faithful to our Lord. An example of kindness and nonjudgmental beyond most. Actively involved in Christian services all of her life. I met my little sister when I was her mother’s at CRISTA caring for Gwen, another woman full of life. Soon she started calling me her big brother as I was a good ten inches taller than her, and I calling her my little sister. After Gwen’s passing she would often stop at CRISTA for an update on my family., and she would update me on hers, then we would pray for the Lord to do what He does best, working in the lives of those we love. I rarely remember her ever saying anything negative of others, instead to choose to pray for them.
Little sister, You will be greatly missed. Good bye for now until we meet again in glory.. Well done thou good and faithful servant.