Anne Kirchgraber-McKee

Anne Berdine Kirchgraber McKee died peacefully in her home on 15 May 2025 with family caregivers at her side. She was the Youth Services Director at the Owen County Public Library, where she worked for over 20 years; a generation of Owen County youth also knew her from her work in Spencer Elementary's former courtyard.

Anne grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where she attended Althoff Catholic High School. She earned her BA at Earlham College, Indiana, and her MLS from Indiana State University.

She was the best Mum to children who will remember her with love: Bethany E. Qualls (Martin Maaloumi) of Caen, France, Michael A. DeGroff-Kirchgraber (Jane Andreasen) of El Cerrito, California, and Haley N. Walker of Bloomington, with grandchildren Taylor Walker and Aaron Walker. On 1 July 1994 she married Dennis Arthur McKee, who passed away 15 January 2025.

Anne was a caregiver, teacher, book recommender, and even an honorary Mum to many with whom she crossed paths, both two-legged and four-legged. She always had a story to tell, and a supportive ear to lend.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Kirchgraber; father, Robert B. Kirchgraber; as well as her aunts, Catherine Merrill and Mildred "Mickey" Brumfield. She leaves behind one sister, Gerilynn Warner (Michael); and one brother, Stephan Kirchgraber (Rosa D'Imperio). She is also survived by niece, Yuki Furusawa (Kota); and three great-nieces.

Animals in need always seemed to find her, including members of her dog pack already waiting on the other side – Luna, Patience, Kahlua, Tenzing, Fred, Ginger, Owen, Sheba, Ghost, Sugardog, Zoe, Genevieve – and an array of cats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, and goats.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anne's name to WildCare Inc, a non-profit supporting Indiana wildlife, via https://wildcareinc.org/support-us/donations/, or the Owen County Public Library, Attn: Youth Services / Anne McKee Memorial, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer, Indiana, 47460.

A celebration of Anne's life will be held in Owen County in May 2026. In addition, a private family burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Indiana at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home, 105 North Montgomery Street, Spencer, Indiana 47460 or online at www.westparrishpedigo.com.