Marijean McKinney Ingraham
Marijean McKinney Ingraham
1929 – 2023
On January 9th 2023, Marijean McKinney Ingraham, loving wife, mother of 3 boys, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away at the age of 93 in her home in Alpine, Utah.
Born on April 25th 1929 in Billings, Montana to Charles Edward McKinney and Opal Davey. Marijean grew up in Billings and her father was a city fireman and relief lifeguard at the swimming pool. She grew up in this pool and the summer days were spent at the park and the evenings spent playing games with the neighborhood kids, such as hide & seek, kick the can, and sledding down the alley hill in the winter. Marijean was a tomboy but always loved dolls. One of her greatest joys was at the age of seven, she received a little sister, whom her mother let her name. She chose Patricia Ann.
Then her family moved to Laurel Montana at the age of 12. Her father owned a local grocery store. She enjoyed walking home from school to the store to relieve her mother and it was a great learning experience meeting with the public. High school was an adventure for her and she was in the Honor Society, worked on the school paper and was the Majorette of the Laurel High School Twirlers in 1946 & 1947. She met the love of her life, Walter Ray Ingraham and they were wed in 1947. They had three children, born a year apart, Larry, Garry and Steven. They bought a 10 acre lot to build a home while raising kids, chickens, pigs and a cow. Also grew 5 acres of Alfalfa. This land was such a great place to raise their boys.
Walt had a fatal accident in 1958 while working for the railroad. At this time the LDS church and her faith became very important to her and it remained a big part throughout her life until the day she passed. Marijean was a very strong woman. She became an accountant and raised her boys alone. She moved to Salt Lake City in 1960 to help with the boys special education and then after 4 years moved to Mountain View California. She finished raising her children and moved back to Utah, to Alpine in 1989.
Marijean was an active member of the LDS church. She enjoyed reading, crafting, and writing letters to missionaries. Marijean loved road trips and has seen many states. She enjoyed the temple and attended it often. She enjoyed many blessings from all of the friendships that was made over the years. Marijean loved hosting breakfast for anyone that stopped by on Alpine Days and enjoyed throwing many luncheons, and holiday celebrations.
In 2017 she was very proud to be one of The Grand Marshalls of Alpine Days. She felt very blessed up to the last day of her life. One of her quirks was the funny noises of excitement (ou,ou,ou) 😀 she would make while happy, whether holding a new baby, receiving a funny gift or enjoying an animal. One of her recent favorite things to say about getting old was “This is for the Birds”.
Those Marijean leaves behind are her son Steven (Teresa), grandchildren Jennifer (William), Brian (Candi), Scott (Brittany), Tara, Chase (Em), great-grandchildren Tori, Tristen, Xander, Axton, Cadence, Kimber and Evalyn. Marjean is also survived by 2 daughters-in-law Mary and Anne.
Preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her beloved husband Walt, her two sons Larry, Garry and her grand-daughter April.
Special thanks to Steven and Teresa for caring for Gram so graciously in her last days. Also thanks to Symbii Hospice, especially her nurse Brooke and Kami, her doctor Dr Mower, and the many friends who loved and cared for her.
Memorial services to celebrate Marijean’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm in the Mountainville 2nd Ward Chapel, (old red brick church) located at 165 North 100 East, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends are welcome to attend a gathering and visit on Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the memorial at the church.