"To Mary Anne and Family, I know that we have loss touch and it has been a very long time since we've spoken. I still wanted you to know that I am very sorry for your loss and have been thinking of you and your family. I remember when Claire was born. She was beautiful then and I see that she grew to be a beautiful young lady too. I remember running into you in the stores around town and that she always had something to say. She obviously was very talented, like her Mother. May the wonderful memories she brought you live in your heart forever. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Your friend, Sherry "
In loving memory of
Claire McKinney
October 8, 2006
Melinda Claire McKinney, daughter of Kenneth Patrick McKinney and Mary Anne (Stickel) Armstrong, was born on June 20, 1988, in Frederick, Maryland. She passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2006, at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 18.
The first year of her life was spent in Frederick, Maryland. From 1989 through 2002 Claire lived in Brunswick, Maryland. She attended Brunswick Elementary School (K-5) and Brunswick Middle School (6-8). In 2002, she moved to Essex, Iowa, before moving to Shenandoah in 2003. Claire attended Essex High School (9-12) graduating with the Class of 2006. She was currently attending Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Claire loved the performing arts and had a special love for music. She played both the piano and the saxophone, and loved to sing. She was a member of the Essex High School Choir and was often asked to perform the National Anthem at sports events in Essex. She was a member of the Essex High School Band and the Essex Jazz Band. She was very fond of plays and musicals and had roles in the Essex School plays. She participated in Basketball Cheerleading, E-Stars, Speech Competitions, the Miss Essex Pageant, Softball, Track, Show Choir, and was voted Most Likely to Succeed by her Senior Class. She had a special love for musicals and especially enjoyed the soundtracks from "Wicked", "Rent" and "Moulin Rouge". She also admired singer Josh Groban and often posted on his Internet site.Claire was majoring in Music while attending Northwest Missouri State University and planned to be a Music teacher. She was also a proud member of the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Marching Band. Some of Claire's favorite hobbies were reading, writing stories and poetry, chatting and posting on Internet bulletin boards, scrapbooking and listening to music. Claire worked briefly for The Depot in Shenandoah and was most recently employed at the Shenandoah Pizza Hut until the time she left for college. Claire was a member of Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia.
Preceding Claire in death were her grandmother, Kathleen McKinney; great grandparents, Genevive and George Peters and Pearl and Andrew Kasecky. Survivors include her mother, Mary Anne Armstrong of Shenandoah, IA; father, Kenneth McKinney of New Market, MD; step-father, Jason Armstrong of Shenandoah, IA; stepmother, Michelle McKinney of New Market, MD; three sisters, Alexandra Armstrong of Shenandoah, IA, Brynne McKinney and Elle McKinney, both of New Market, MD; three brothers, Christopher McKinney, Ryan McKinney and Jacob Armstrong, all of Shenandoah, IA; grandparents, Peter and Linda Stickel of St. Mary's, KS, Warren McKinney of Elkton, MD, Michelle and Kenneth Armstrong of Essex, IA, David Cook of Jessup, MD; great grandmother, Mildred McKinney of Mt. Airy, MD; uncles and aunts, Christa Stickel and Charlie Arnold of Frederick, MD, Mike and Milli Wall of Timonium, MD, Todd and Barbara Hagemann of Raleigh, NC, Nikki and Paul Garner of Bellevue, NE, Jamie Vanatta of Shenandoah, IA; ten cousins; several great aunts and uncles; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Friday, October 13, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was the Rev. Jim Gubser. The 2006 Class song, "Time Flies By", was performed by Jayde Duysen and Nick Eisenhower. Other music was "You're Still You", "Seasons Of Love" and "To Where You Are". Attending the memory register were Stephanie Armstrong and Carli Ross. Ushers were Christopher McKinney and Caleb Kinney. Honorary casket bearers were Jacob Armstrong, Paul Hughes, John Racine and Tim McConnaughey. Casket bearers were Jason Armstrong, Ryan McKinney, David Groth, Charles Arnold, Paul Garner and Kenneth Armstrong. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing more heartbreaking than the loss of one's child, no matter what the age. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family."
"Hello, I am a 2006 graduate of Brunswick High School and I went to school with Claire throughout elementary and middle school and just wanted to let her family know that I will keep them in my prayers. God bless."
"I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss claire so much i remember the times back here in brunswick and i remember how much she loved her family and i hope you guys are doing ok and if you need anything ask. She will be really missed here in brunswick. Again sorry for you loss."
"Hello, I'm a grobanite from The Netherlands and read about this tragedy on the dutch forum. I want to send my condolences to all the loved ones. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. With deep respect, Marjolijn"
"Our hearts are broken for your families and for Claire. She was destined for great things in her life and it was taken away from her. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and Claire will be with us forever. Claire was a wonderful friend...she will be in my heart and memories forever. - Jayde"
"May your little one be blessed in heaven."
"My daughter, Courtney, lived across the hall from Claire in Maryville. She describes your daughter as kind, cheerful, and always had something nice to say. Claire will be greatly missed. I know your grief is immense at such a loss and I only wish that we were able to shoulder some of that pain. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully, Robin, Courtney, Jordan & Logan Beck"
"I didn't know Claire personally, but I know that everyone at Northwest will miss her. God bless."
"Claire was a beautiful and energetic person. Never did I see her without a smile on her face. I had the luxury of taking her photo many times. But never did she look more lovely than at Prom. That red dress was wonderful for her. I saw her both at the Essex prom and Sidney. We talked for a while at Sidney and she seemed so happy, so full of life. She was also very talented as I had the pleasure of hearing her sing and play many times. My condolences on your loss. "
"Dear Mary Ann and Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Linda Phillips, Dr. Fursa's receptionist"
"To the McKinney family, I knew Claire through the Josh Groban website. I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Claire at the Josh Groban concert in March of 2005 in Sioux City, IA. She left an impression on me because she was so happy and and so personable. I can't stop thinking of her. Know that there are so many people praying for all of you. Sincerely, Gina Sturek"
"To Claire's Family, I had the privledge of teaching your daughter online chamistry last year. She was an amazing young woman. I am devestated by the loss. I will remember her zest for life and music. Please accept my deepest sympathy. She will be missed. Sincerely, Shannon Cde Baca"
"Please accept my Deepest Sympathy in the loss of your precious daughter. As another fan of Josh Groban, I had the pleasure of reading her posts and sharing her enthusiasm for Josh's music. May you all take comfort in knowing that Claire made many friends through Josh's board and her thoughts and insights touched the hearts and souls of so many. She will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to each and everyone of you at this very difficult and sad time. Even though I never had the privilege of meeting dear Claire in person, I felt as if I knew her through her Grandma Linda; how very proud I know you all were of her. I know that there are no words to describe the pain you're feeling, and that you will sorely miss her. My prayer is that God will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead and give you the same peace and contentment on Earth that Claire has found in the arms of her Heavenly Father. Until you meet again, may God bless each and everyone of you. "
"I am so shocked, and I am so sorry about Claire. She was just such a sweet heart of a young woman. She had the biggest smile and a heart of gold. I am very sad to think that I will not see her smile again. I am sorry for your loss and you should always hold dear to your heart that she was a wonderful person, dearly cared about and made others always feel good. She will live forever in our memories and with in our pictures, and in our hearts. If you should need anything, please let us know. John & Jesse Racine and Rhonda Powers"
"I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with your family. I knew Claire from school and I have never seen someone smile so much! She will be deeply missed. "
"To the family of Claire McKenney, I am a fan of Josh Groban, and I met your precious Claire on the Message Board at joshgroban.com. I was greatly saddened when I learned of her passing. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to everyone in your family. My heart goes out to all of you as you try to cope with this tragedy. Claire seemed to be a sweet, kind individual, & I enjoyed the times I interacted with her on the Board at joshgroban.com. She was a beautiful person, and a joy to know, even though I never really got the chance to really get to know her. I feel as though my life has been truly blessed for having had the chance to know her. She will be greatly missed. Everyone in your family will be in my thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Carol Doty joshluvver281@yahoo.com"
"To the family of Claire McKinney, My name is Carol Doty, and I just sent you a condolence message. I misselled your last name in my previous message, and I wanted to apologize. I spelled it as McKenney, instead of as McKinney, the way it's supposed to be spelled. It embarrasses me that I did that. I hope that you will accept my apology. Sincerely, Carol Doty joshluvver281@yahoo.com"
"Claire (Mini) was such a beautiful, bright, friendly, talented young woman - she was such a bright spot on the josh groban message board, always had a smile, a hug, a hello for everybody. She touched so very many of us, many more than she probably ever knew, and we are all grieving as a community...she has left a hole in our hearts, and she will never be forgotten. My sincere, heartfelt condolences to her family and friends..."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family and friends. "
"My husband and I met Claire when Andrew took her to prom last year. I am glad we had the chance to meet her, she was such a sweet and lovely lady. "
"My sincerest prayers and condolences go out to Claire's family and friends. She was a beautiful girl and will be greatly missed I'm sure. Sincerely, Randi Benedetti (Grobanite friend)"
"Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, I would like to express my deepest simpathy on the loss of your daughter Claire. It was my pleasure to be able to photograph your beautiful daughter. She was so excited the day she had her senior photo's taken. We talked about her love of music. She talked about how much she loved Josh Groban. I know that she was excited to be graduating high school and starting college. I wish there were words that could ease your pain but only time can do that. These are the words that my sister had us put on her head stone I hope they comfort you as much as they have me. " When you think of me, think of me with all the smiles and laughter we have shared. If you can only think of me with tears and sorrow please don't remember me at all." My deepest simpathy Christy Mayer The Shooting Gallery"
"Please receive my heartfelt condolences for the passing of Claire. For most of us in the Josh Groban boards she was Mini, and I will always remember her as a happy, bright, sweet young lady. I'm so sorry for your loss. Will keep her and the family in my prayers. warm hugs from Lima, Peru (South America) Patricia"
"I feel so sorry for your loss. God be with you."
"Jason- I just heard of your loss and I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your family. I hope it helps you to know that friends such as myself are thinking of you. It has been awhile since we have had any contact and it is unfortunate that a situation such as this is the reason to be in touch but I did want you and Mary Ann to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your old friend from the Farragut era -- Gina Plummer - now Gina Battey"
"I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY DEEP CONDOLENCES TO CLAIRES FAMILY..I KNEW CLAIRE/MINNS AS A FELLOW GROBANITE. WE CONVERSED A FEW TIMES ON JOSH GROBAN MESSAGE BOARD..HER SPIRIT WAS SO SWEET AND SINCERE..SHE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL OF US. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU GOD BLESS PJ/PAM"
"My prayers are with your family. May God wrap his arms of comfort around you. Laura (aka XSLaura on JGboard)"
"Dear Family of Claire- I am an acqauintance of CLaire's through the Josh Groban message boards- I knew her from her fun and lively posts, her love of music and Josh and her youthful spirit. I became a bit more familiar with her through Theresa, the woman who Claire and Mary Ann went to the concert with in March 2004. I had the priviledge to meet Theresa last year and she spoke VERY fondly of Claire! Please know our thoughts and condolences are with you all during this difficult time---we all pray for you in your grief and share in the knowledge that a special young woman has passed to a higher peace! May G-d be with you! Alexandra "
"Although I did not know Claire personally, I do know that she was loved by many on the Josh Groban message boards. She made such and contribution to the boards and will be sorely missed in the Josh community. My heart goes out to you, her family."
"McKinney Family, My deepest sympathy to you all. I will miss Claire immensely. Thank you for allowing your daughter to spend time with me and all the Grobanites. May her journey to heaven be swift. May she be welcomed by a multitude of angels. May sweet, sweet music fall upon her for all eternity. Sincerely, Theresa Frey Lincoln, Ne."
"My condolences to you on the loss of your daughter."
"i was one of the many cyber friends ckaire had from josh groban's message board.I had not chatted for a hiwl, a few weeks actually just because we kept missing each other and were talking in different threads. i so regret now that i had nt checked in with her more. Mini, as she was known to us online,was one the sweetest and kindest people i ever spoke to. i never had the pleasure of speaking to her in person or even on the phone. what i knew of Mini, i knew through words and photographs, but i still felt i knew her. I still followed her preparation for the prom, her recitals, her school crushes, her college prparation and so on. grobanites, the world over , fomr new york to london to peru wull sorely feel her absense and we will miss her deeply. may G-d comfort those she left behind"
"I knew Claire as "Mini" in our cyber community. She was vibrant, enthusiastic, full of dreams...She was a dear friend and a pleasure to know. I will miss her. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in this most unbelievably difficult time. Deepest Sympathies, Twila Wayt"
"This is Claire's friend, Chandra Osthoff. I live in Burlington Junction, Missouri, but I met her when I went to Essex's school. She was one of the very few people that gave me the time of day there and it's hard to believe that such a sweet, good person can die so young. It should have been me... She was going to be something great, she had the voice of an angel... I'm out of school right now 'cuz I can't stop crying. If you would, please email me and let me know when the funeral is and everything so I can stop by. If I may, I'd also like to say a few words there. If not, that's fine. I just want to see her one last time. I miss her so much."
"When I heard the news I didn't believe it. Mini was a great friend to me and I'm so lucky to have found her on the Josh Groban boards. She always made me laugh and could cheer me up so easily. We had many fantastic conversations and I always felt like she listened no matter what was going on in her life. She truly loved life and I'm going to miss her terribly. I had talked to her about three days ago for the first time in a few weeks because we had both been busy in college and now I'm so glad we did. My prayers are with you during this time of need. Just know Mini is in good hands and she'll be watching over you. "
"My sincerest condolences to you all. I enjoyoed reading Claire's posts on the Josh Groban board. Sincerely, Karen Weinman"
"Hi, I never knew Claire personally, but I knew her on the Josh Groban boards and will never forget the way every one of her posts seemed to be sending out a smile. She was such a sweet, friendly person, and I know we'll all miss her. I don't know what else to say... If I could I'd send a hug over this computer. As it is, please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. -Lis"
"I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Claire. I didn't personally know her but I post on the Josh Groban message boards and I reeber seeing Mini's name. Her posts were always wise and full of energy. She will be missed. My thoughts go out to her family and friends."
""Mimi" was such a joy in the Josh Groban fan community and her passing comes as such a shock to us all. We are grieving with you, and my husband and I would like to send our condolences to Claire's family and friends. She will be missed and always remembered. -Cindy & Andy Bushnell- Remember I will still be here As long as you hold me In your memory ("Remember" by Josh Groban)"
"Please accept my sincere condolences. Claire was known to me through her posts on the Josh Groban fansite. She was a warm and vibrant girl, I can only imagine how your hearts must be aching. May God grant you comfort and peace as you struggle to cope with your terrible loss. Sincerely, Lynne Evans"
"I didn't knew Claire personal, but stumbled on her posts on the Josh Groban boards and the Josh Euromeets group. I am shocked to hear that she passed away so suddenly. I wish the family strength and pray for them in these difficult times. "REMEMBER by Josh Groban Remember, I will still be here As long as you hold me, in your memory Remember, when your dreams have ended Time can be transcended Just remember me I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly, It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun I'm with you Whenever you tell, my story For I am all I've done Remember, I will still be here As long as you hold me, in your memory Remember me I am the one voice in the cold wind, that whispers And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky As long as I still can reach out, and touch you Then I will never die Remember, I'll never leave you If you will only Remember me Remember me... Remember, I will still be here As long as you hold me In your memory Remember, when your dreams have ended Time can be transcended I live forever Remember me Remember me Remember... me..." "
"To Claire's family, Claire (Mini) was beautiful inside and out. She loved her family, and we talked about you often. Mom, she just told me a few days ago how much she loved you and missed you, and that she had spoken with you on the phone and cried. She also told me when she was sick that she called you and it made her feel better. I am so happy that you got to have those conversations. Just know that she was so proud of all of you, and she shared that with her friends whenever we talked. Love and prayers, Pam"
"To Claire's Family, I can't begin to tell you how sorry we all were on the Josh Groban fansite to hear about Claire. We all knew her through her posts, and there are so many that have become her friends. Our hearts are heavy. Claire's love for life and people lifted us up and made us laugh. She was just simply a beautiful person. Our prayers will be with you during this very difficult time. Judy "
"Claire's (Mini's) friends & family: I'm so sorry for your loss. As I posted on the Josh Groban message board, I knew her through the boards & chatted to her often on MSN before she left for college. She was a great lady, full of life, love & fun. She was a fantastic friend & was a integral part of the board. I never knew she was sick; she never let on. Words can't express how I feel right now & nothing ever will. But please take comfort in all the friends she had. She loved everyone, & we loved her. Godspeed, Mini."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Claire was always so kind, caring and happy. It was certainly a pleasure to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. David, Susan, Matthew and Adrea Stevens "
"You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I will miss Claire greatly! "
"My prayers are with family and friends of our dear Grobanite friend Mini/Claire. She was a borrowed angel, and I am glad I had the chance to meet her while she was here. "Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with a light of love." Alabama/'Angels Among Us'"
"My prayers and condolences to the family...we are so sorry to see her leave this earth...but know that this is just a door way to her life...everlasting.... Blessings, love and prayers to you all. Keren Blair (Kerenliz Josh Board)"
"Mary-Anne, Jason, Ryan and Chris: I don't know what I can say to ease your pain. Claire was a beautiful person and we loved her dearly. Love, Mike, Milli, Summer, Brooke & Lacey "
"No words can express how deeply sorry I am at the loss of your beautiful daughter, known as Mini to all the Grobanites. May you find some comfort in knowing how very much she was loved, what a huge difference she made in so many lives, and what a beautiful young woman she had become in all areas of her short life. My heartfelt prayers go to you and all your family, my thoughts are with you. A Grobanite Friend, Paula-jimala"
"I was soo sad to read of Claire's death. While I didn't know her personally, we shared a love of Josh Groban. She was part of the Grobanite family. She will be missed. "
"So sorry for your devastating loss. I used to see Minnerz around the boards and thought she was a lovely, charming girl. I never got to meet her personally but she was part of the Grobanite family and will be missed deeply. Sincerely Julie Lane aka Hamiltonjoshfan"
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. McKinney: First of all, my deepest condolences... I met Claire thanks to her amazing imagination and her great habilities as a writer on the joshgroban.com Board. We shared a passion for singing that lead us to a singing contest on the boards called 'Grobanite Idol', and a passion for Josh Groban's music that lead us to a great friendship. I chatted with her a lot, but unfortunely we began to torn apart because of my lack of time to continue chatting, but I remember her very well.. I remember her being very excited because of her prom, and her going to college... she was such a wonderful girl, and very known and much much loved on our virtual lil place to share josh's music, 'Grobania (name for the Josh Groban board)'. She is going to be deeply missed by all of us who knew her, at least in this virtual world, and as hurt as I am because of her loss, I can only begin to imagine how you must feel... All the way from Veracruz, Mexico, my deepest condolences for your loss... I will remember her always... Mary C Vicent�© corrsmexicanfan@hotmail.com Veracruz, M�©xico"
"I am a fellow Grobanite, and would just like to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. We all feel like a "family", and will miss her very much also. "
"I did not know Claire personally but, she was a member of our online community, JoshGroban.com and I have read her posts several times. She seemed like a wonderful young girl with a wonderful sense of fun and joy. We will all mourn her passing and our little world will be a sadder place without her presence. I would like to extend my sympathies to her family and friends. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mary Wood"
"To the Family of Claire McKinney: My deepest sympathy for your loss. No one should ever have to bury a child. I only knew of her through the Josh Groban fan site. I hope you can find comfort in knowing how many lives she touched and what a truly amazing person she was simply though her postings on Josh's web site. She had many virtural friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Claire will surely be missed by all of Josh's fans. Sincerely, Valerie Pedersen"
"Never having met this amazing girl, I communicated with Claire via AIM and email after we befriended each other on the Josh Groban boards. Claire was extraordinary. She could relate to anyone and make them feel at ease. She listened to me when I shared my troubles. Being a college student a year ahead of her, I wished so much for her. So many great experiences. I pray for your family that you may find some comfort in this hard times. We all are hurting, but it cannot come close to your experiences right now with losing a child or sister. I am so sorry for your loss and no words can describe how much we all will miss her. She was an inspiration on how to live life to its fullest and to love everyone. God bless you and keep you all during this hard time."
"Dear McKinney Family: I just want to extend my condolences on your loss of Claire. (Minnerz, or Mini to us) She was an extrordinary young lady. She seemed to have a maturity about her, but was a great kid! Very happy. It showed in her posts. She was loved very much by the Grobanites that knew her, and even by some that didn't. We are a close knit community. We will feel the loss of Mini very deeply. I can only pray that you will all take comfort in knowing how much we cared for her. I will lift you up in my prayers, and ask the Lord to give you His peace and comfort. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. In Christ, Sunshine "
"I am very sorry to hear about Claire.. I know there is nothing I can do or say to make things easier but if anyone out there needs someone to talk to.. I am always here!! "
"I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Claire's family. I knew her from the Josh Groban message board/fan club. She has always been very sweet and kind to me, and her death comes as a big shock. You have my prayers during this very sad time. May she rest in peace. Yvette (teresita1897)"
"Mary,I and her father are so deeply sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need please let us know.Our prayers are with you"
"Jason and family; Greg and I want you to know your family is in our thoughts and prayers....... Shelly and Greg Graham"
"Claire was such an intelligent and kind person. Throughout our IWCC classes together she was always the volunteer to share her opinions and thoughts in class. We were so grateful for that because she broke the ice for discussion with the professor. She went to our Senior Prom in Sidney with Andrew Wolfe and they had such a good time. Claire had such a warm heart, and will be missed among all her friends."
"My sincerest sympathy to your family for your loss. I had Claire in choir when I taught in Essex, and she was so energetic and full of life. She always had a smile to share. May God's peace be with you in this difficult time. Sincerely, Mrs. Sarah Kock"