Elaine Marie McKinley

Elaine Marie McKinley, 79, of Reynoldsburg, passed away January 12, 2025. She was born September 20, 1945, in Columbus to the late Joseph and Elsie Bates Semon. Elaine was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Kenneth McKinley, and brothers, Joseph and William Semon.

 Elaine is survived by four children: Marie (Flip) Carkido, Kenneth (Kathy) McKinley, Jody (Mark) Hauersperger and Ginny (Jeff) Hazy; 15 grandchildren: Alex, Andy, Adam, Josh, Alicia, Katie, Michael, Laura, Shaylynn, Brandon, Zachary, Rebecca, Rachel, Jeffrey and Andrew; 14 great-grandchildren: Kya, Nikolai, Hayden, Faelan, Emmalynn, Grant, Shayleigh, Dax, Parker, Laken, Clark, Bentley, Gryffith, McKinley and arriving soon, Malakai; brothers: Jerry (Roxanne) and Donald (Robin) Semon; sister: Susan (Robert) Schneider.

  At an early age, her family moved to a farm in Galena, where she developed an everlasting commendable work ethic. By the third grade, her father taught her to drive his tractor, so that he could load hay bales onto a wagon that was being pulled by the tractor. Throughout her teenage years, Elaine developed a passion for softball. She played and coached well into adulthood and was instrumental in establishing girls’ softball as a sport at McDonald High School in McDonald. Her experiences and the abilities she developed while growing up on the farm provide many memories for her family.

 Elaine attended Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, where she excelled at all sports, played French horn in the band, and was a member of the Girls Athletic Association. After graduating in1964, she enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama. There she met and fell in love with a handsome MP, Kenneth McKinley. Elaine and Ken were married there on September 24, 1965. After their enlistments were completed, Elaine and Ken settled in McDonald, where they raised four children.

 During their retirement years, Elaine and Ken enjoyed many trips throughout the USA, including several return trips to the western states and National Parks. Their favorite trip was to Scotland. Elaine also enjoyed her canine companions and feeding the birds and wildlife. She had many nature-related hobbies, including hunting, fishing, hiking and gardening. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and decorating her home. She passed down many of her activities and hobbies to her children. Elaine will be remembered by her family and friends for her acts of selflessness, compassion and caring. She gave so much to so many. 

 The family is being served by Leaf Cremation of Ohio. A Celebration of Life is being planned and will occur at a future date. Contributions in memory of Elaine may be made to Wounded Warriors.