Obituary of May Ella McKenzie

May Ella McKenzie, 92, passed away Friday, January 7, 2005, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, of natural causes. Born on July 5, 1912 in Commerce, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Guy and Mamie (Morgan) Blackmer. She was a resident of Olympia for the past 12 years, and former resident of Joplin. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Gabe McKenzie, in 1986. May Ella and her husband, Gabe, were self-employed and well known in the business community in Oklahoma and Missouri. They owned the Brass Rail in Picher, Oklahoma, and several liquor stores in the Joplin, Missouri area. She touched many lives during her time here, and she leaves us with the memories of her independence, courage, spirit, and incredible love of family and friends. Survivors include a daughter, Gayleen Cox Suelzle, of Hood Canal, Washington; granddaughter, Jamie Watts, of Olympia; grandson, Michael Watts, of Neosho, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Brett Watts and Kennedy Watts, of Neosho; nephew, Dan McKinzie, of Joplin, and nieces, Elizabeth Brewer, of Joplin and Jean Muehlendyck, of Brandon, Florida. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her memory to the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, 2021 9th Ave., Seattle WA 98121. Cards of condolences may be sent to Gayleen Cox Suelzle, 21110 No. U.S. Highway 101, #16, Shelton WA 98584.