Lavone McKinley passed peacefully on December 19, 2021 at the age of 95 at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa. Born in Oak Hill, KS on June 29, 1926 as Lavone Marie Hart, she was the daughter of Kansas farmers Phillip and Minnie Hart. Minnie was born Minnie Gunter. Lavone had one brother, Don Hart.

   Lavone grew up in Miltonvale, KS and completed high school. After graduation she was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. She married Basil McKinley, a sheep rancher, when he was wintering in Miltonvale with his flock. Lavone and Basil lived between Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, with the flock, but settled in Miltonvale after the death of Basil's father. In Kansas, Lavone was a seamstress, rancher and wife to Basil.
Lavone moved to Alamosa permanently after Basil died and ran a sewing shop.

   Lavone is survived by her McKinley kin and friends: Robert McKinley Senior and his family; Sue Lehnerz and her family; Justin McKinley and his family; James McKinley; and her dear friends. Lavone and Basil never had children.

She lives on in memories of these kin and friends, who are inextricably changed and humbled in her passing. Lavone will be laid to rest in Miltonvale, KS next to her husband Basil.

Cremation was selected and services will be held at a later time.  To express condolences for the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.