Roberta (Cook) McKinney

Roberta McKinney, age 91, of Benton, IL departed this life Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Mt. Vernon Healthcare Center, Mt. Vernon, IL where she was recuperating from a second broken hip in the past year. She was born July 16, 1929, the daughter of Ray and Rose Green Cook, at the family farm north of Ina. She attended Oak Dale Grade School and Ina High School.

She married Glen W (Cotton) McKinney October 22, 1946 at Benton, IL. He proceeded her in death on August 25, 1988. She and Glen loved to flea market and spent many winters prior to his death living in Florida and working the flea market circuit. In early years they worked at the state hospital in Manteno and Elgin, IL. Their son, Michael Warren McKinney was born December 28, 1947. He preceded his mother in death on August 18, 2001.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Amy Jo McKinney Vangilder Love of Kankakee and Joseph Michael McKinney of Chebanse, five great-grandsons; nieces, Loretta Fowler, Catherine Rister, Patty Pace, Sandy Jones, Roseann Cook; nephews, Gene Clinton, Jim Cook, Byford Olin Cook, Mark Cook, John Cook; sister-in-law, Barbara Cook; and many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, son and parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Byford, Russell and Donald Cook, sister Ruby Clinton, brother-in-law Melvin Clinton, sisters-in-law Kenne Cook and Lee Cook Spani; nephew David Clinton and nieces Connie McKee and Sharon Cook.

Roberta loved to dance and was well known for her fiery red hair circling the dance floor at country dances around the Benton and Ina area. She attended dances several nights a week until her eyes failed, and she had to move to a nursing facility; even there she danced with the entertainers who often came to the facility.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, September 21st at I.O.O.F Cemetery, Benton, IL. Friends and family will be received from 12:00 P.M. Noon to the time of the service.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, Benton, IL (618 438-0311) are in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, should you so desire, memorials may be made in her honor to I.O.O.F Cemetery or Kirk Cemetery Association and will be received by the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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