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Mercedes Ann McKean Jan. 2, 1915 - Nov. 30, 2008 Mercedes and her twin, Marie, were born at home on a farm in the small hamlet of Hooker, Calif., near Red Bluff, to German immigrant parents. She loved roaming the hills barefoot, catching rattlesnakes and climbing trees, although she would never have described herself as a "tomboy." She grew up in San Francisco, a beautiful and elegant woman who was proud of having worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII helping to build ships for the war effort. After a brief marriage to Roy Nichols, she attended barber and cosmetology college and became a hairdresser, maintaining her own shop for many years. In 1945, she met and married her husband of 50 years, Robert W. (Bill) McKean. She was a staunch Democrat very involved with the Eleanor Roosevelt League, served as Chaplain of the Elks Emblem Club, and volunteered in the St. Vincent de Paul kitchen. She sang all the time, loved her garden and cooking for friends and family. She is survived by daughters, Lucille Nichols, and Diane Marwood (Christopher); son, Bill; granddaughters, Melissa Morch, Stephanie Overbey (Craig), and Erin and Gillian Marwood; great-grandson, Talon Morch; and great-grandaughters, Kaylee and Mara Overbey. She will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; sisters, Marie, Louise, Elsie, Ann, Monica, and Madeleine; and brothers, Joseph, Richard, Theodore, and Gustave. Sincere thanks to Amanda Wilson and her family and staff at Traditions Elder Care in Medford for their loving care of our Mother in her last months. A memorial mass, with Father Liam Carey officiating, will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Medford, on Jan. 2, 2009, 8:30 a.m. with a reception following in the church hall. Graveside service is at Siskiyou Memorial Park at ll a.m.