Carole Jean (Barter) McKenna

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Carole Jean Barter McKenna, died peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, Aug. 28th, at the age of 84 after a four year battle with cancer.

Carole was born on July 19, 1938 to John ‘Jack’ and Lucille Barter in Mobile, AL.  She attended Convent of Mercy, an all girls Catholic School, for twelve years.  She graduated in a class of 34.  She remained close to all her classmates.

In 1961 she met John ‘Mickey’ McKenna, of Anaconda, on a blind date set up by Mickey’s roommate from pilot school.  They married June 23, 1962 and thus began their life in the Air Force.  They had three children, John ‘Chip’, Michael and Rebecca.  Carole loved being part of the Air Force community.  Carole and Mickey moved all around the country and Carole turned every new house they moved to into a home for her family.  Carole and Mickey retired to Montana in 1976.

Her children were her pride and joy and she adored her grandchildren.  Air Force Lt. Col. Chip McKenna (ret.), MD is an endocrinologist.  He is married to Andrea and they have two children, Nicholas and Corinne.  Navy Captain Michael McKenna (ret.) was a Navy pilot and ship’s captain.  He is married to Katie and they have two children, Emma and Megan.  Rebecca McKenna is a teacher.

Carole had been on the board at Copper Village Museum and Art Center and enjoyed being part of Art in Washoe Park.  She also enjoyed being on the board at Project Care. 

Carole had a loving spirit and always liked being around family and friends.  She was extremely patriotic.  Traveling the country and learning about the US was a passion of hers.  She liked to use idioms, but never got them correct.  Carole loved Christmas and collecting Santas.  She loved reminiscing about her childhood.  Anyone from the south was an instant friend.  Carole never met a stranger.  She hated eggs, being cold and when people didn’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign.  She was the second mom to many of her children's’ friends and she made everyone feel welcome in her home. 

She is preceded in death by her parents (Jack and Lucille Barter) and her sister (Mary Sue Barter Phillips).  She is survived by her husband (Mickey), children (Chip (Andrea), Michael (Katie) and Rebecca), grandchildren (Nicholas, Emma, Corinne and Megan),  brother (John (Mary Lou) Barter) and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carole’s family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Community Hospital of Anaconda and Hospice of Anaconda for their compassionate and respectful care.  We will be forever grateful.

Visitation will be at Holy Family in Anaconda, MT on Saturday, Sep. 3 at 9:30 am and services will be at 10:30 am. A luncheon will be held immediately after services.  The family requests that donations be made to Convent of Mercy (101 Wimbledon Dr. W., Mobile, AL 36608) or Project Care (P.O. Box 1280, Anaconda, MT 59711).