Oguerita (Burge) McKinney departed this earth to enter her eternal home on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the age of 101 years young. She was born on May 12, 1922, in Sparksville, Indiana, to Elmer and Flora (Heller) Burge. In her early years, there were no Lutheran churches near, so the young family traveled as often as possible to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, where she often talked about her memories of the service being conducted in German. Oguerita has been a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brownstown since 1963.
She was very proud of never missing a day of school, having attended her elementary school years at Sparksville school, and graduating as valedictorian from Medora High School. Following graduation in 1939, Oguerita then went to Indiana Business College in New Albany, taking secretarial and accounting courses.
Oguerita married Harold "Teep" McKinney on October 9, 1941, in Medora, Indiana. While he was overseas in the Army during WWII, Oguerita and her sister went to help the war cause by working at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida.
Oguerita is survived by one daughter, Judy Allman of Indianapolis; one son, Dennis (Barbara Embry) McKinney of New Palestine; four grandchildren: Ronda (Brian) Boles, Randy (Beth) Allman, Cassandra "Sandy" (Juan) Carrizo, and Scott Allman; and seven great-grandchildren: Zachary Boles, Chasity Allman, Skylar Allman, Anastacia Carrizo, Franklin Carrizo, Alejandra Carrizo, and John Carrizo.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister, Eloise Mock; one daughter, Ellen Sue Aderholtz; and one great-granddaughter, Alaina Allman.
Oguerita's professional career began at Austin State Bank, and continued at Medora Box Factory, Keiffer Paper Mill for 22 years, Century 21, and Joe Wayman Builders. Additionally, she was secretary and treasurer for many years for the Lake and Forest Club, where she resided for 50 years. She had a green thumb, always having a beautiful yard full of flowers in the summer, as well as all kinds of indoor house plants. Never letting her hands be idle, she lovingly crocheted many afghans while watching basketball or baseball games. She loved playing bridge, and she belonged to Tri-Kappa, serving as president for a time. Traveling was her passion. Oguerita traveled to six continents, and even sailed near Antarctica. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, yet she was happiest being surrounded by her family and spending holidays together. Some of her traveling was in pursuit of her ancestors for her passion of genealogy.
Funeral services for Oguerita (Burge) McKinney will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown, with Pastor Ryan Schneider officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the church.
Interment will follow at Weddleville Lutheran Cemetery, Medora.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Medora, or St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com