Gosh! 9 years. Dear Patty. Blessings on the family today as you all revisit fond memories.

Fondly remembered. May all those you paid a loving kindness to remember you by placing a rose upon your grave, so that you will continue to sleep eternally, under a blanket of flowers.

Hello Gary, this is Kevin Franck who use to bring your Dudley's Bakery bread to your Butcher Shop. so sorry to hear about Patty's passing away. So young really. I was recently reading about former Idyllwild Wildlife Biologist, Tom Roberts (US Forest Service 1980s), passing last year and found this. Patty was so happy and full of energy, Hard to imagine. But I love the photo album posted here. Wonderful pics.

I've given a few memorial talks for people who have died. My lead off scripture is always Ecclesiastes 7: 1 & 2 which says,

"A good name is better than good oil,a and the day of death is better than the day of birth. 2 Better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting,b for that is the end of every man, and the living should take it to heart."

At first glance it sounds contradictory, how could day of one's death be better than being born ? In the bible, what a person does with their life and the kind of name or reputation they make are of main importance. So when people hear the name mentioned, Patty McKee, what kind of person comes to mind. As the end of verse two reference, "the living should take it to heart." Most funneral talks should be geared towards encouragement of the living relatives and friends. Hence everyone should take to heart what kind of image comes to most people's mind wwhen their own personal name is mentioned.

Patty has the hope of resurrection to life back on Earth as do most of mankind. I know that's a bit different than what most of the churches have always preached, but God's original purpose for the Earth has never changed. Antway, looking forwards to seeing her again.

Kevin Franck

Hi Garry,

I have only learnt today that Patty has passed on from over a year ago. My heart goes out to you individually and your family, I wish I knew sooner.

I remember your time together in Australia snorkelling at the beach, patting Kangeroo's and following wild birds. I think you both enjoyed it!

Patty was a wonderful lady and I am so sorry for your loss.

Much Love
Natasha and Marcus xxx

Our Family Chain

We little knew that morning,

God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you,

You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again...

          Author Unknown
We miss you Patty, I Love you SIS, my heart ache's missing you so, that I can't bear to think about it!

Gary, I met you & Patty in the 80's when we had a part-time home in Fern Valley. Anytime I saw you together in town, I always noticed how loving you were. I admired that in both of you. While my heart is sad for your loss, at the same time I am so glad you got to have the wonderful experience of loving Patty McKee. Namaste.'

I knew Patty through my Sister Sue Bristow. They were such great friends for so many years. I remember my sister telling us and sharing photos from their trip to Europe and the wine country and what fun they had together. Both my nieces, Amy and Kat worked at the Candy Store. She was loved by many and will be so missed. You have found peace, Watch over all your family & friends. RIP

As I sat at the service for Patty today, I was in ah of how many people this little woman left an impact on. She had enough love to share with not just me but 100's of others. I know Gary, Jennifer and Jeff are bursting with pride to have had her as their very own. Now every time I see a butterfly I will think of Patty my dearest friend.

Patty gave me my first job when I was 16 at the candy cupboard. I have continued to always stop in the store anytime I have been in Idyllwild, its my fave place in town, which I have
passed tradition down to my kids;-)Patty was always so delightful to run into. Prayers to her family!!!

Post per Richard Lopez: No one loved life more than Patty, she enjoyed family, friends & friends of friends. There were always room for more. She treated everyone like family. When it came to life she fought harder to live it. she was never a contender, she was always the champion! I will miss you & will never forget all the wonderful memories I spent with you and Gray & rest of family

Patty's smile always lit up a room. She has been God's gift of life as an institution to the Idyllwild community and has brought joy and help to so many people's lives. I have been blessed to know her and have her and the family as a part of my family's life. Blessings to you all. May God give you wisdom and strength in this time.

Gary, Jeff and Jennifer, what a true blessing your precious wife and mother was. I will always remember Patty's smile and energy. The service was beautiful and seeing so many people flowing out the back doors... on a Tuesday morning was testament to the fact that she is loved by so many. I watched one butterfly for about three minutes flying ever higher, round and round... then away.

I'm so sorry to hear about Patty's passing! I spent many, many, MANY dollars at the Candy Cupboard in my youth, and still make a point to go when I am in town. Patty ALWAYS greeted me with a smile!

My fondest memories are of Patty serving her "witch's brew" on Halloween night to all of the kids!

I admire Patty's strength, and love, and will miss her vibrance. Gary, I love you, my friend, and will be there for you as you embark through your journey. Xoxo Sandii Castleberry

I miss you, and Idyllwild misses you Patty. You'll always hold a very special place in my heart, and I'll never forget you. Every time I've ever seen you, you had the biggest smile on your face, and that is how I'll think of you.

Jeff & Jen, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Scot.

My grandparents were among the founders of Camp Maranatha. I remember going to family camp and walking to town to go to the Candy Cupboard. Other "campers" these past few days have also shared wonderful memories of your shop, your friendly attitude, and your welcoming smile. I moved here 12 years ago, Candy Cupboard was there for me as before. We will miss you so. Rest in God's care.

You, patty are a wonderful child of God,  and I will so miss the light you shined on earth....yet I see you now in the arms of Jesus and I rejoice with thanksgiving that I knew you. Thank you for teaching me about faith and perseverance....you lived them in each and every momemt. I love you and I will always think of your beautiful face. Eternally, linda

I cannot imagine Idyllwild without you, Patty. You raised generations of Idyllwild's young, working for you in the Candy Cupboard, learning from your beautiful and practical example. Even the friends of young people working for you benefited. You enriched Idyllwild in deep and enduring ways, as few others have. Enjoy your restful reward!

I love you Aunt Patty. What an inspiration you have been to me and so many others. So thankful that you knew Jesus as your savior and that you are with him now. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

You will always hold a special place in my heart and will be missed by so many from the place I will always call home. You brought smiles to so many children and adults with the wonderful Candy Cupboard and of course your beautiful smile. Love ya

You were my friend before your wedding, we all so loved your smile , you are such a beautiful lady. You will so terrible be missed. Heaven is happy to have you , I love you Patty Love Mary Jane

you were my friend before your wedding your smile has alway been a blessing for us. I so love you and already miss you, what a beautiful lady and a terrific friend. Heaven is so blessed to have you. all my love Mary Jane

I knew Patty for many years but, unfortunately, not very well. She held
a very, very special and very loving place in my son Kannyns' heart and I was always grateful for the love she showed and shared with him.
She was a beautiful person with style and grace and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones.

Patty and her special family,
We always loved that darling smile and the infectious laugh! Patty, you were such a warm individual who made everyone feel at ease. You have left a tremendous legacy in the family who loves you and the people who miss you. May you rest now and enjoy watching over us all, no longer in pain. God bless!

Nicole Hoffman Piddhiottina from FB.There are very few people in the world who stand above the rest who have those special endearing qualities that set them on an entirely different plane than the rest of us "ordinary" people. Whether it be that they have profound kindness emanating from their very core or that their determination & tenacity with living is so magnetic that they carry other

Where do I start....Patty and I first met as teenagers. We double dated, got married a few months apart, Our children were born days apart. My son Mike is 4 months older that Jeff. My son Tim is only 10 days older than Jennifer. We shared everything as teenagers and newlyweds not to mention be new mothers together. I could write a book, but I'm seeing I only have a few character left. RIP

Candle lit for Barbara Stallings from FB. "I have been blessed to have many friends in my life, but Patty was more a sister to me. We have had so many memories over the years. I love her so much and am heart broken she is no longer with us. I know I have a special angel watching over me now. She's now in the arms of Jesus."

The Loss of my Sister Patty has broken my heart! I know she is no longer in pain and resting in the arms of Jesus! We all knew this day would come. But I still am not ready to say good by to my beautiful sister Patty. But when the day comes when I am called home to Heaven I will see my sister again! Please keep our family in your prayers! Thanks to my sister Janice for setting this up.

My heartfelt condolences go out to all your loved ones near and dear, friends and family. God bless you!!
Thank you for inviting me to the family beach house many years ago! You've always been generous and kind. Lots of good memories :)

i only knew you a fairly short time but what wonderful times it was. especially the nite of chicken wings galore a mere two weeks ago.     i feel very blessed to have known you. love-billy valentine

Some people-very special people like Patty can never be replaced. She can only be remembered for the rich, full life she led, for the things she accomplished through the years, and for being there in so many peoples lives. I met Patty in the late 70’s. Besides Barclay MacRae and me, she shared the honored position of being one of Kannyn's “moms.” Rest in peace, lovely - you will be missed.

Candle Lit by Kim Atkins shared from FB. I love you Aunt Patty Mckee, you fought so hard with your battle with cancer but always had a smile on your face every time I saw you, I look up up to you so much, may you rest in peace with the angels. I love you.

Patty I will never forget how you and Gary opened your home to me and my girls one Thanksgiving Day, when I was hurting and lonely. Gary's turkey is still the best I ever tasted till this day. thanks for all the fun times the Cabo trip memories and for being you. I hope your dancing in heaven!

Candle lit by Meghan Holladay from FB.
Words cannot express the sadness I feel in my heart right now, Patty Mckee you will be missed. I have been so blessed to have you in my life, you taught me so much and you were such an amazing boss over the years that I worked at the Candy Cupboard. Idyllwild will not be the same without your sweet face. 3

As a kid growing up down the street, I always thought of you as a " Movie Star" , because you were so beautiful on the outside ...but , we all know how beautiful you were on the inside . I looked up to you , even though you didn't know it .My " bestie" (your lil sis , Laura) and I were watching with little eyes ...your sweet spirit ...which will live on in us forever. Love , Lori Yerman