Ellen "Dittamawen" McKinney, 80, of Soldier, KS, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022 at her home, with family by her side. She was born November 27, 1941, in Baltimore, MD, the daughter of Jack B. and Mona (Wilson) Fair.

Ellen earned her G.E.D. and later her Certified Nurse's Aide Certification.

She married Dan "Ke-so-kwah" McKinney in August of 1969 in Carnegie, OK. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2018, after 49 years of marriage.

Survivors include 5 sons, Troy McKinney (Amber) of Mayetta, KS, Samuel McKinney (Rachel), Phillip McKinney, James McKinney and Dan McKinney, Jr. III (Virginia) all of Soldier, KS; 2 daughters, Mona McKinney (David) of Soldier, KS and Lola Wilson of Soldier, KS; sister, Martha Messenger of Arizona; brother, Mark Fair of Arizona; 29 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mona Fair; son, Jack McKinney; 2 brothers, Steven and Joe Fair and a great-grandson, Alexander Paul Shasteen.

Family will greet friends Friday, October 21, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Ellen will lie in state Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Cremation will follow. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.