Edna McKenzie

Edna McKenzie, age 90, of Murdo, died Thursday, January 5 at the Aurora-Brule Nursing Home.

 

Edna Mae McKenzie was born in Wichita Falls, TX on April 19, 1926 to Ed and Ethel Christian. She attended school in Hobart, Okla. Upon completing school, she worked at the telephone company in Oklahoma City, Okla., where her first son, Ron (Ronnie) Thomas, was born. Edna, Ronnie and her family moved to Draper in 1948. Edna spent her summers attending college in Spearfish and her winters were spent teaching in country schools in the Jones County area.

 

On January 23, 1954, Edna was united in marriage to Clifford (Bud) McKenzie and to this marriage three children were born: Chester, Judy and Pam. Edna worked numerous jobs in Murdo, including at the S.D. Department of Transportation office, the ASCS office, substitute taught at the Murdo schools and others. Her and her soulmate, Bud, owned and operated Camp McKenzie Campground and Doll Museum for nearly 30 years. This is where they taught their children and grandchildren the value of hard work. They spent their winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., where they enjoyed dancing and meeting new friends. Edna also took art courses and the community college to broaden her artistic horizons.

 

Edna was very talented and had a great deal of hobbies. Her love for art and making quilts was one of her greatest passions. She made a quilt for each of her children and grandchildren. Some of Edna’s favorite pastimes included spending time with family, canning, attending bible study and playing cards. Due to health issues, she moved to Chamberlain in 2009 and lived at the Regency Retirement Home. Even though she missed her friends and church in Murdo, she enjoyed the times she got to spend on the Missouri River. She was blessed with many friends from the Jones County area often visiting and checking in on her regularly throughout the years.

 

Edna was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Book and Thimble Club and was known as a South Dakota Artist.

 

Survivors include her children Ronnie Thomas (Sandy) of Brandon, S.D., Chester McKenzie (Mary) of Murdo, S.D., and Pam Bryan (Justin) of Oacoma, S.D.; sister in-laws Lila Christian of Pierre and Florence Christian of Pierre; brother in-law Mack McMillian of Draper; special family friend, Carol Thomas; 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Clifford McKenzie; daughter, Judy; three brothers, Harvey Christian, Willard Christian and Bob and Doralee Christian; and one sister Lula McMillian. 

 

A memorial has been established.

 

Visitation and a prayer service was held on Monday, January 9 at the Murdo Methodist Church. Services were held on Tuesday, January 10 at Murdo Methodist Church with burial at Murdo.

 

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Isburg Funeral Chapel.  Online condolences may be made at www.isburgfuneralchapels.com