Eilene Leota James McKenney, 90, of North Platte, passed away August 24, 2021 at Linden Court in North Platte. She was born April 29, 1931, in Stapleton, Nebraska, to Jesse and Anna (Beam) Main. She graduated from Stapleton High School in 1949 then moved to North Platte where she worked as a waitress.
Eilene married Joseph James in 1951 in Sutherland, Nebraska. To this union 4 children were born, Deborah, Bernadette, Wesley and Matthew. When the girls were small, Eilene attended beauty school and graduated in 1962. She worked at several salons, and operated her own salon for a time. Eilene then married Ray McKenney. She enjoyed dancing and following Joseph and his band. Eilene was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Moose and Eagles Clubs.
Survivors include her children; Deborah James, North Platte, Nebraska, Bernadette (Jeff) Lawrey, Tuttle, Oklahoma, Wesley (Tammy) James, North Platte, Nebraska, Matthew James, Alliance, Nebraska, son-in-law; William Carroll, Ft. Collins, Colorado, daughter-in-law; Michelle James, Lincoln, Nebraska, grandchildren; Jacob (Valerie) Lawrey, Tuttle, Oklahoma, Paige Crouse, California, Anthony James, Lincoln, Nebraska, Kayla (Alex) Lattimore, Wrangell, Alaska, Alexis James, Kaz James, BrookeLynn James, all of Lincoln, Nebraska, brother-in-law; William Fanter, North Platte, Nebraska, sister-in-law; Michelle James, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Eilene is preceded in death by her parents; Jesse and Anna (Beam) Main, sisters; Eulah Fowler, Maxine Reynolds, Wilma Halouska-Fanter and brother; J.F. Main.
A memorial has been established in Eilene’s name.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm , Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, Nebraska. Book signing will be 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, August 27, with family present to receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00.
The service will also be livestreamed via Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made at www.adamsswanson.com Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.