Velma Pauline McKie

August 23, 1923 - July 8, 2020

Velma Pauline McKie, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2020 at the MHP Serenity Hospice house in Oskaloosa, IA. Velma was born on Thursday, August 23, 1923 in Mahaska County, IA., the daughter of Irvin and Grace Taylor Beach. She attended Rose Hill High School until 10th grade. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” McKie on May 17, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jim died on May 13, 1995. Following high school, she moved to California and worked as a Rosie Riveter supporting the war effort by working on airplanes. She later moved back to Iowa and worked for McCurdy’s. Following her marriage to Jim, the two traveled all over to accommodate Jim’s enlistment in the military. After serving his country, they continued traveling as Jim took a job as an engineer, building roads all over the country. Velma enjoyed painting, gardening, dancing, making paper dolls and traveling with Jim. She was a longtime member of the Rose Hill Community Church. She is survived by a sister, Wilda Miner of Oskaloosa and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim McKie, and 2 sisters, Mildred DeSelm and Juanita Leathers and four brothers, Dale Steven Beach, Richard Beach, Ivan Beach and Billy Beach. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Del Bittner officiating. Following the service burial will be in Tioga Cemetery near Rose Hill. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. The funeral service will be live streamed at the Bates Funeral Chapel’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. Open visitation will begin Friday, July 10, at 2:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to MHP Serenity Hospice House or the Rose Hill Church Food Ministry.