Obituary - Wanda Ann Bahr McKinney

Wanda Ann Bahr McKinney of Havre, 69, died of cancer Nov. 28, 2016.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Pastor John Chapman officiating.

The family has suggested memorial donations in Wanda's name be made to the Salvation Army, the First Baptist Church, 625 4th Ave., Havre, MT 59501 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Wanda's online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

Wanda was born Dec. 9, 1946, on the family farm north of Chinook. Wanda took great pride in recounting that she was delivered by kerosene lantern by her grandmother, Lena Bahr. Wanda grew up with her cousins and little sister, Cindy, spending time on the farm whenever possible. Wanda graduated from Chinook High School in 1965 and went on to Kinman Business College in Spokane. While going to college, she met the love of her life, Ruben J. McKinney. Wanda and Ruben were married Jan. 28, 1968, raising three children, Ben, David and Sarah while living in Havre and Kremlin, becoming an older sister once again to Melody the same year her first son, Ben, was born.

Wanda was very involved in her community as an active member of Jaycees, Beta Sigma Phi, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Pachyderm Club, and Calvary Baptist and First Baptist churches. Wanda worked at the welfare office in Havre, then spent 26 years at Northern Montana College, seeing the college through its transition to Montana State University-Northern and seeing hundreds of students through their transition to graduation. While working, Wanda also earned her associate degree in business from Northern. Wanda mentored many work study students as well as others who just stopped in to see a friendly face.

Above all, Wanda cherished family and was proud of all her children and grandchildren. Wanda and Ruben enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting, teaching their kids and grandkids a love for the outdoors. Wanda and Ruben were honored to raise their granddaughter, Julie Anna as well. Wanda enjoyed all of her grandchildren in their different stages of growing, attending school functions and graduations when possible and babysitting her very special great-granddaughter, Quorra Ann, when she came along. Wanda also enjoyed taking part in the Gilbert Family Reunion every year.

Wanda battled colorectal cancer for the last 11 years, proving an inspiration to other patients, doctors, researchers and above all, her friends and family.

Wanda is survived by her sons, Ben (Kim) McKinney and David McKinney; daughter, Sarah McKinney Griffith; stepdaughter, Sheri McKinney (John) Campbell; sisters, Cindy (Jerry) Widhalm and Melody (Preston Gilmore) Sand; grandchildren, Julie, Jacob, Tyler, Dylan and Johnny; great-grandchild, Quorra Ann; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; as well as her uncles, Earl Bahr, Kenny Gilbert and Gaylord Gilbert, and aunts, Lily Kretchmer and Iris Hay.

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, Ruben, her parents, Anna (Stan) Sand and Calvin Gilbert, her grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.