Violet "Jean" McKay

Violet “Jean” McKay, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Arbor Grove Village in Greensburg.

She was born January 18, 1939, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Ralph D. and Gladys (Tillison) Mentzer.

Jean is survived by her son, Daniel E. “Danny” McKay of Shelbyville; daughter, Karen J. Beckner and husband, Dean, of Waldron; grandchildren, Russell Beckner and wife, Casi, Allison Meyer, and husband, Patrick, Loriann Beckner and fiance’, Joshua Wenger, Glavin Denney and Danielle Pickett; several great-grandchildren including Danika Pickett, Havok Pickett, Sara Ford, Charlie Ford, Nora Ford, Meredith Beckner and Josie Meyer; and numerous nieces and nephews including Tom Mentzer of Shelbyville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandchild, Maddux Cash McKay; sisters, Rosemary Brinson, Maxine Auxier and Alice Mae Popplewell; and brothers, James Mentzer and Thomas Mentzer.

Jean attended Fairland Baptist Church.

She retired in 2001, as a nursing assistant with home health care.

Jean loved to dance and go roller skating. She also enjoyed cooking and going for walks.

Private services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or the American Diabetes Association, 8604 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.

Online condolences may be shared with Jean’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.