Vera Jill McKee

Vera "Jill" (Montgomery) McKee, 92, of Milford, MI.
Vera Jill McKee, known to all simply as Jill, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jill married her high school sweetheart, Richard J. McKee, in August of 1951. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in White Lake, Michigan. In their senior years, Jill and Richard moved to Milford, where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life and a close-knit community.
Jill is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Paul) Szpaichler, Michele (John) Foley, and Lawrence (Diane) McKee; her brother, Ralph W. Montgomery; six grandchildren: Derek (Amy) Barkholz, Kevin (Kim) Barkholz, David (Rachel) Barkholz, Erin Berbas, Stephen (Camila) Fox, and Lee McKee; and 11 great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 21 years to just 12 months.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 71 years, Richard J. McKee; her older brother, John Montgomery; her grandson, Sean L. McKee; her mother, Lilith Montgomery and her in-laws, Jay F. and Mamie McKee.
As a young woman, Jill taught tap dancing in Milford, sharing her talent, energy, and love of the arts with countless students. She later became widely known for her exceptional cooking and baking-especially her delicious pies, which became cherished family traditions.
Jill was always impeccably dressed, making sure every outfit matched perfectly. Everywhere she went, she was affectionately known as "the little fashionable lady," admired not only for her style but for her warm presence and gentle spirit. She was also a cherished regular at The Proving Grounds coffee shop in Milford, where the staff doted on her every need and delighted in her visits.
Family was the center of Jill's world. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking great pride in becoming a young grandmother at the age of 40.
Jill was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held during the first part of March 2026.