Madge McGrath McKee
July 27, 1939 – December 9, 2024
Ojai, CA
Madge "McGee" McGrath McKee, 85, of Ojai, California, passed away on December 9, 2024, in Ventura, California. Born in Ventura to Alexander Mercer and Rita May McGrath, Madge grew up in Ojai, where she attended Monica Ros School and Nordhoff High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne.
Madge had a deep love for music, tennis, and bridge, but her greatest joy was caring for and educating young children. She dedicated much of her career to early childhood education and worked in alcohol and drug rehabilitation. A devout Catholic, Madge was an active member of Padre Sierra Parish in Camarillo and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ojai. Madge had a special spunk that no one would ever forget, and left her mark with the people she touched.
A proud fourth-generation Ventura County resident, Madge spent the majority of her life in the area. She married Richard Roberts in 1961. Together they had two children, whom she raised mostly as a single mother. Later, she married William Carroll McKee Jr., whom she met on a ski trip with the Los Padres Ski Club. They shared a son and lived in Camarillo Heights for nearly 30 years. After retiring, Madge devoted much of her time to volunteering with the Friends of the Library in both Camarillo and Ojai. Madge and Bill moved back to Ojai, where they enjoyed playing bridge with close friends and watching their grandchildren's sports and activities. She was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, always present at family events.
Madge is survived by her children, Jim Roberts (Mandi), of Ojai, Kim Roberts (John), of Folsom, and Fred McKee (Melissa), of Fair Oaks; her grandchildren, Scotty, Mark, Juliane, Hannah, Natalie, Chloe; and her great-grandson, Armani. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Marilyn Berg. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Bill C. McKee and her brother-in-law, Bill Berg.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Madge’s caregivers—Deirdre, Chloe, Chelsea, Veronica, Susan, Kelly, and RC—for their loving care. Special thanks are also extended to the Ventura Townhouse and Monique with Assisted Hospice for their exceptional support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Help of Ojai, P.O. Box 621, Ojai, CA 93024 or the Friends of the Library in Ojai, P.O. Box 1005
Ojai, CA 93024.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ojai on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Father Leon of Our Lady of the Assumption Church officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Parish Hall.
Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.