Obituary – Jane B. McKinney
Jane B. McKinney, age 88, daughter of Dave and Mabel (Kirkman) Mitchell, was born June 22, 1938, in Long Beach, Calif. She passed away October 17, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
Jane is preceded in death by her daughter, Gina McKinney, her sister, Sue Steward, her brother, Terry Mitchell and her parents, Dave and Mabel Mitchell.
She is survived by her husband, Bill McKinney, her daughter and son-in-law, Jana and Greg Rush, and several nieces and nephews.
The family moved back to Licking when Jane was nine. She grew up in Licking and graduated from Licking High School in 1956. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at the University of MO-Columbia and started her teaching career at Licking High School for the 1959-1960 school year.
She married the love of her life, Bill McKinney, on June 6, 1959. They enjoyed 67 years of a wonderful marriage, raising their two daughters, and lots of travel and fun with family and friends.
Jane was a devoted member of the Licking United Methodist Church, actively participating in and supporting its work with strong faith programs/ministries.
Teaching was her passion at Licking High School, Southwest Baptist University and as a member of the MO Teacher’s Association. Her focus was vocational business, and she was committed to helping students prepare for their future. Many former students remember her as the best teacher they ever had, with many stopping by as recently as this year, just to say hello, say thank you, etc.
Jane was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt and friend. She always had a warm smile, a loving and welcoming personality, carried herself with grace, and a collectedness that many could only envy. She was as tough as she was warm-hearted, always considering what was best for others vs. herself. We will miss her but know God has welcomed her home and know she is surrounded by her heavenly family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Licking United Methodist Church General Fund.
Services for Jane will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Licking United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and a memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Fox Funeral Home of Licking, Mo. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net.
