In Loving Memory

Arline Gwen (Parry) McKay

April 21, 1931 ~ March 27, 2023

Born to parents Glen D. Parry and Evelyn L. (Payne) Parry, she joined her older sister, Doris, growing up on the Yaquina River just outside of Toledo, Oregon. Arline graduated from Toledo High School in 1949 and went to work at Snyders Market. She soon caught the eye of Bill back at the butcher counter and their love story began. Arline married her best friend and partner Bill McKay in 1963. They enjoyed many adventures traveling to Gallatin River in Montana, New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and riding mules into the Grand Canyon to name a few. Bill passed away in 2006 after a wonderful 43 years together.

In 1951 Arline began working for the J.C. Penney Co. and soon moved up the ranks to become only the 7th female store manager when she moved to Willits, CA in 1975. In 1977 she was transferred to Colville, WA where she managed the store on Main Street until her retirement in 1991. She made many lifelong friends in her 40 years with JC Penney, keeping in touch and traveling to visit them in the Tucson, AZ area after retiring.

Arline loved dogs and horses, learning to ride in her 60's. She had wonderful friendships and was active in the community. She continued to travel and especially enjoyed a trip to Nome, Alaska to see the Iditarod dog sled race. As she would say, Life is not a journey with the intention of living safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but to skid in broadside, used up, worn out and loudly proclaiming "Wow What a ride!"

Arline was preceded in death by her parents Glen & Evelyn Parry, her sister Doris Henderson and her husband Bill McKay. She is survived by her sister Margaret Epperson of Toledo, OR and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life on April 6, 2023 at The HUB in Colville, WA from 3:00-4:30pm, Tea and Desert will be served, and on April 16, 2023 at the ELKS Lodge in Toledo, OR from 11:30am -2:30pm a Potluck lunch with salad and desert.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Colville Public Library in Arline's honor. Please visit her online memorial page and sign her guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with her care.