Sharon McKinney

Sharon Kay (Slawson) McKinney, 79, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2022 at Accura Healthcare of Knoxville.

Sharon was born on January 4th, 1943 in Des Moines, IA where she was raised by her parents, Madelyn and Ted Smith. After graduating from North High School, Sharon would start her communications career at Northwestern Bell located downtown Des Moines. Northwestern Bell would change names multiple times throughout the years, but one thing that would not change was Sharon’s love for her high school sweetheart, Roger McKinney. The two were happily married 45 years.

Whether it was the sights and sounds of a casino, or the excitement of someone yelling “BINGO!!”, Sharon was captivated by the thrill. This would lead to another passion Sharon shared with friends and loved ones, travel. Adventures on cruises, South to Branson, West to Las Vegas, and of course Tulsa were just a handful of her favorite destinations. Those stories, memories, and in some cases funny photos, will live on for many years to come. She could never end a sentence without saying “Hear Me”.

As time passed, the ringing of a slot machine was often traded in for the laughter of grandchildren and great grandchildren. It wasn’t uncommon to see Sharon leading the charge during a holiday card game or a fast and furious game of spoons. Above all, it was her world-famous chocolate cake made especially for the most important people in her life that will be missed the most.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Madelyn and Ted Smith, loving husband Roger McKinney, brother Terry Slawson, and sister Judy Shaw. She is survived and cherished by her children Cindy (Tim) Stoll, Todd (Shelly) McKinney, grandchildren Kara (Adam) Waldorf, Kalvin (Tessa) Johnson, Keaton McKinney, Baylee Stoll (fiancé-Nathan Pritchard), Dalton Stoll, and great grandchildren Addison, Kade, Kennedy, Jordy, Gia and Tate. Sister Sandy (Bob) Williams.

Visitation will be at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., in Des Moines on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a graveside to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Accura Healthcare of Knoxville, 606 N 7th St, Knoxville, IA 50138, in loving memory of Sharon.

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