Centha Marie McKenzie

Centha Marie McKenzie, born on March 22, 1940, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to Amos and Rosie (Howard) Owens, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana.

After attending Silver Lake High School, Centha spent over two decades of her career dedicated to Alcoils, Inc. in Columbia City as a Coil Winder. Later, she transitioned to the Peabody Retirement Community, where she served for ten years, working in the kitchen as a cook, until her retirement.

In October of 1982, she married Willie McKenzie, with whom she shared fourteen wonderful years of marriage until his passing on February 20, 1996. Centha's helpful nature and her unwavering support for her children and grandchildren were the hallmarks of her character, and she cherished each moment spent with them, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Centha had many passions, most notably cooking, gardening, and quilting, which she pursued with great enthusiasm until her health began to decline. Her joy in canning her own produce and creating beautiful quilts spoke to her love for nurturing both her family and her passions.

The loving memory of Centha McKenzie will be forever cherished by her children, Betty J. (Tom) Brainard, North Manchester, Ernie Morrison, Plymouth, James Tolson, North Manchester, and Billy (Becky) Tolson, Wabash; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Earl Owens, Tacoma, Washington and Ellis (Dee) Owens, Alexandria, Indiana; sisters, Norma Meade and Sue (Don) Murphy, both of South Whitley; and many nieces and nephews. Centha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie McKenzie; son, Richard Morrison; brothers, Earman and Edward Owens; and sisters, Edith Minnix, Juanita Wolford, and Bonnie Shepherd.

A graveside will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Claypool on April 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Centha McKenzie, memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.

The family of Centha McKenzie has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.