Helen McKinsey Obituary

Former Durango resident Helen Frances McKinsey died Wednesday, April 23, 2014, in Westminster. She was 89. She had just moved from Durango to Westminster a month ago.

Mrs. McKinsey was born to Frank and Catherine Scherer on July 13, 1924, in Cicero, Ind. One of eight children, she lived there until her marriage to Herb L. "Mac" McKinsey on Dec. 16, 1944, in Indiana.

The McKinseys lived in Indiana until 1950, when they and their two daughters moved to Durango. The family lived at the Columbine Guest Ranch for a short time before Mr. McKinsey began working for the Brennan family's Firestone store at 12th Street and Main Avenue.

In 1953, Mrs. McKinsey went to work as a bookkeeper for Western Colorado Power Co., which became La Plata Electric Association. She retired in 1985 after 32 years with the association.

"Helen supported the family as an excellent homemaker and support for her household," according to her family. "In her later years, she especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

Mr. McKinsey died after 41 year of marriage in 1985 – the same year as Mrs. McKinsey's retirement.

Mrs. McKinsey began taking frequent trips with her sister Ruth Wiseman. The sisters visited locations such as Aruba and Hawaii, took multiple cruises and visited other destinations.

Mrs. McKinsey was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Durango and volunteered for the Mercy Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, La Plata Chapter No. 83.

"Helen challenged herself with crossword puzzles and The Durango Herald's daily Jumble," according to her family. "She followed Colorado and Indiana sports with tenacity."

Mrs. McKinsey is survived by her daughters Linda Yeager of Westminster and Susan Barcus of Clayton, Del.; five grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 East Third Ave. The Rev. Alan TeBrink will officiate. Burial will take place afterward at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.