TRAVERSE CITY - Agnes Alma Amelia (Schlachter) McKay, 91, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on November 26th, 2013. She was born to the late Emil and Bertha Schlachter (Starosta) on February 27, 1922 in Decatur, Illinois. Agnes graduated from Stephen Decatur High School. She graduated from Millikin University in 1942 and taught elementary school. On January 29, 1948 she married the late Welby O. "Dude" McKay. They resided in Decatur, IL and were members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church until 2006 when they relocated to Traverse City, Michigan and joined St. Michael Lutheran Church.

Agnes, "a tiny woman with mighty faith", will be remembered by her family as a kind and compassionate Christian, a loving and devoted mother and grandmother with a great sense of humor. Through the years Agnes enjoyed serving in the church clothing room, the Braille Center and was willing to help anyone in need. She showed tremendous interest in the lives of each of her children and grandchildren. She enthusiastically celebrated the milestones in their lives and was affectionately teased for making a birthday celebration last a week. She displayed tremendous joy in living and was a wonderful role model for everyone who knew her.

Agnes is survived by her children, Deborah (Robert) Hunt of Southlake, TX; Laura (Wayne) Okimi of Chesterfield, MO; Julie (Brian) Idle of North Palm Beach, FL; and Douglas (Libby) McKay of Traverse City. Also surviving to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Leslie Vanatta, Clayton (Lindsay) Idle, Blake Idle, Jillian Idle, Rachel Okimi, Jason Okimi, Holly Hunt, Jack McKay and Teddy McKay. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Welby McKay; one son, Mark Killion McKay; three sisters and two brothers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28th, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Traverse City. The Rev. James Nihiser will officiate.

Memorials may be sent to St. Michael Lutheran Church , PO Box 5945, Traverse City. MI 49696; Munson Hospice and Palliative Care, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684; or Millikin University, 1184 W. Main Street, Decatur, IL 62522.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories with Agnes' family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.