The Excelsior Standard, Jan. 27, 2023

Hazel Frances “Fran” McKinney, 77, passed away on Jan. 19, 2023, in her home, surrounded by family.

Fran was born Nov. 30, 1945, at home in Neosho, the third child of Earl Anderson Cox and Laura Gene Nan (Caswell) Cox. About 1954, her family settled in the Rayville area, where Fran grew up and graduated from Richmond High school.

She married Jim Parker of Lawson in 1963, and they had three daughters. They later divorced.

Fran remarried in 1979 to Steve McKinney and gained two bonus sons.

Fran had various jobs, including Whittaker Cable, Ford Motor Co. in Claycomo and GM in Fairfax, Kan., where she met Steve. She later became a beautician and worked at various salons in Richmond before becoming co-owner of Corner Cuts with Dee Ross, finally settling at My Fair Lady in Excelsior Springs.

They made their home in Wood Heights and were devoted members of the Excelsior Springs Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She enjoyed going out in service with her husband, family and friends.

Fran loved her family and enjoyed gardening, along with various other hobbies, such as crocheting, knitting, cooking and music. She liked to change the décor of their house often, which not only drove Steve crazy but kept him busy in their retirement years. There wasn’t anything Steve wouldn’t do for Fran.

Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Steve McKinney of the home; children, Medea (Parker) and Paul Jones of Bois D’Arc, Rick and Kyndle McKinney of Lawson, Tracey (Parker) and Tommy Miller of Richmond, Jeanie (Parker) and Rodney Cook of Gillette, Wyo., and Ryan McKinney of Wood Heights; and sister, Lorelei (Cox) Creason of Excelsior Springs.

Other survivors include 27 grandchildren, 67 greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild pending, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Craig Thurman and Mike Cox; and sisters, Kathy Paden and Donna Paugh.

There will be no formal services, per her request. A celebration of life will be for family and friends to share their memories at a later date.

Arrangements made by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.