Whila Dene (McKinney) Strait

Whila Dene Strait, age 88, of Palestine, Texas went to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, the 27th day of January, 2018. She was born on the 10th day of February, 1929 in Elkhart, Texas to B. M. McKinney and Ollie Mae Gilcrease. “Grandma” as everyone fondly called her was an accomplished homemaker.  She was known for her delicious meals and had a passion for sewing.  Whila was a beautician and a devoted member of the Holy Ground Worship Center in Palestine.   

She is preceded in death by two husbands, Leonard Bell Haley and Dillard Leon Strait; daughter, Jennifer Ann Haley; brothers, Mardease McKinney, Billy McKinney, Deacon McKinney, R. L. McKinney, Donald McKinney and one brother from early childhood, Charles McKinney.

Whila is survived by her son, Thomas Jack Haley of Elkhart, Texas; brother, Hubert Louis McKinney of Elkhart, Texas; grandchildren, Teresa Ann Pruett and husband Paul of Athens, Texas, Kayla Dene Haley of Clinton, Mississippi; great grandson, Joshua Daniel Ehring of Frisco, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 1st day of February, 2018 in the Parlor and Reflection Room of Rhone Funeral Home.            

Funeral services for Whila Dene Strait will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 2nd day of February, 2018 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Benny Burlison officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Reflection Room of Rhone Funeral Home.  

A private interment will be held at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas. 

Funeral services for Whila Dene Strait are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

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