Frances K. (Jebb) McKie, 96, of Galesburg, Illinois, died on March 9, 2026, at Seminary Village in Galesburg.
Frances Kathleen was born on February 5, 1930, in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Esther (Palmer) Jebb and Robert M. Jebb. She was the sister of Lois E. Jebb, Robert D. Jebb, and John M. Jebb.
She spent all her younger years in Monmouth and graduated in 1948 from Monmouth High School. She was a member of Nu Phi Mu Sorority, Monmouth Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a Girl Scout leader. She worked at Bowman’s Shoe Store and as a secretary in advertising during her high school years.
Upon graduation, she met Sergeant Paul R. Powell, from Alexis, at a local roller rink, who was discharged after serving in the Navy where he served 18 months in the Pacific area.
After Paul’s second enlistment in the Army in 1948, Paul and Frances were married at the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth on July 3, 1949. They then moved to Munich, Germany, where he was stationed. While in Germany, Frances gave birth to a daughter, Paula Lou, and a son, Robert Edward.
After three years, Paul’s tour in Germany ended. Frances and Paul then settled as farmers in Bushnell, Illinois. After five years, Frances gave birth to five more children, including Sandi Kay, Debbie Sue, Nancy Ann, Glen Alan (twins), and Donald Dean.
As farmers, they not only farmed in Bushnell, but also in the Avon (300 acres) and Knoxville (180 acres) communities. They grew crops and raised Black Angus cattle and pigs.
After leaving the farm in Knoxville, Fran moved to Galesburg and attended Carl Sandburg Junior College. Upon completion of secretarial school, she worked for Don Fike as his executive secretary at St. Mary’s Square Living Center in Galesburg, where she retired after 30 years of distinguished service.
During her time in Galesburg, Frances met Charles H. McKie. Frances “Fran” and Charles “Chuck” McKie were married on November 23, 1984.
Fran was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Knox County Farm Bureau, and past president of the Seminary Estates Homeowners Association. She was a member of the Galesburg Chapter Order of the Eastern Star for 35 years, serving six times as Worthy Matron. She represented the state of Illinois as Grand Electa in 2001 and as Grand Representative of Ontario in 1997-1998.
Besides being very involved in her church and Eastern Star, Frances enjoyed swimming with friends at the YMCA in Galesburg early every morning for several years. She also enjoyed teaching exercise classes for members of Silver Sneakers.
Frances will be remembered for her strong faith, beautiful smile, and the very positive attitude she carried with her everywhere. She will also be remembered for her devotion to her family, friends, and loved ones, as well as her steadfast faith, love, and encouragement. She instilled in her children the same deep and abiding faith and love for the Lord that she carried and believed in.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Robert M. Jebb and Esther (Palmer) Jebb; her brothers, Robert D. Jebb and John M. Jebb; and her sister, Lois E. Jebb. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Paul R. Powell and Charles H. McKie. In addition, Frances was preceded in death by her children, Glen A. Powell, Paula L. (Powell) Strader, Debbie S. (Powell) Page, and Robert E. Powell.
She is survived by her children, Sandi K. (Mike) Miyaki, Nancy A. (Mark) Hayes, and Donald D. Powell, along with her daughter-in-law, Patt Reck-Powell, and sons-in-law, Carter “Corky” Strader and Geoff Page.
Frances is survived by 11 grandchildren: Ben Miyaki, Joe Miyaki, Jonathan Page, Patrick Page, Matthew Page, Jeremy Hayes, Chris Hayes, Mike Hayes, Lucas Powell, Riley Powell, and Chad Powell.
In addition, she is survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Austin Powell, Emerson Miyaki, Lilly Page, Asher Page, Carter Page, Clayton Page, Scarlett Page, Jackson Hayes, Brady Hayes, Austin Hayes, Kieran Hayes, Gwendolyn Hayes, and Gavin Hayes.
Frances is also survived by three great-great-grandchildren: Maddux Powell, Lilly Powell, and Remi Powell.
Visitation will take place at Watson Thomas Funeral Home, 1849 N. Seminary St., Galesburg, Illinois, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:30-11 a.m. Funeral services including Eastern Star Services will immediately follow from 11 a.m. to noon. A private graveside service for family only will take place at Monmouth Warren County Memorial Park, 1325 North 11th St., Monmouth, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
