Ellen Harriet Hiatt, 70, died on January 6, 2024 in St. Louis, MO from pancreatic cancer. Ellen was born April 12, 1953, in Wilmington, OH to Richard Mills Hiatt and Muriel Cecile Specht.
She graduated from Carleton College in 1975, and Yale Divinity School in 1979, where she met her future husband, Barnet Michael McKee, of St. Louis, MO. Ellen was ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Christ in 1981 and served as the first female senior pastor at St. Marcus UCC. Ellen became a board-certified chaplain in 1994 and served countless patients at St. Louis State, Deaconess (Forest Park), Anderson, and Barnes-Jewish Hospitals. Ellen loved to sing as a member of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, and enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling.
Ellen is survived by her husband Mike McKee; two children, Kathleen McKee (David) and Jonathan McKee (Meghan); brother, Richard Hiatt (Kim); sister, Anne Woodruff (James); and five grandchildren: Genevie, Esme, Maeve, Kaia, and Soren.
A memorial service will be held Sun. Feb. 18 at 2pm at First Congregational Church, 6501 Wydown Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen's memory may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, Yale Divinity School, or Carleton College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dan Johns
January 9, 2025
Ellen and I dated for a few months freshman year in college. She joined me for Thanksgiving freshman year at my cousin's house in Cloquet, and taught me a better way of singing "The Boxer." Always a friend. My condolences, and may she rest in peace.
Heather Kimmel
January 29, 2024
I am praying for peace for Ellen's family, with deepest sympathy.
Kristin Boardman
January 22, 2024
Ellen and I lived in Friends House one of our Carleton years. We also sang together in a chorus or show or something. I remember being at a reception following someone's recital. Ellen was behind me in line. I offered to slice her a piece of the cake being offered. She declined saying that she never took a full piece for herself. She only tidied up the crumbs around the plate! So I purposely mashed the cake a bit as I cut my slice so that she would have plenty. She laughed and laughed at me. We exchanged Christmas cards for many years but not recently. I didn't know she had been sick. Thank you, God, for surrounding Mike and the rest of the family with love and peace through this difficult time.

W. Toni Carter
January 15, 2024
Sending my condolences and prayers for blessings of love to Ellen´s family and friends.
Ellen was a friendly, patient and cooperative roommate when we were assigned to room together as freshmen at Nourse Hall/Carleton College from 1971-1972.
While we were likely only once in touch after Carleton, I will never forget her wholesome spirit of kindness, compassion and love.
May she rest in peace in the arms of The Lord.
Donna Schaper
January 15, 2024
Mike, this is Donna Schaper. I just saw Ellen´s obituary. I am so sorry to get this news....She was much too young. I´ll make a contribution to Carlton, where my son Jacob also went.
Pat Rekart RN
January 15, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Ellen´s family. She was a beautiful person who always had the right words to say. She will be missed
Cynthia Hancock Nicholson
January 14, 2024
I was a classmate of Ellen´s at Carleton. She was the epitome of kindness, always. She could take a stand with the best of them, and did, but always with the power of her words and the way she lived her life. I am so sorry for the loss of her bright light from your circle of family and friends.
Marilyn Johnson
January 14, 2024
My condolences to the family.
I knew Ellen a bit at Carleton, simply as one of the kind, likeable people....a long time ago.
Carla Goodwin
January 14, 2024
Ellen was the angel God sent into the ICU, not only for the patients but for the healthcare workers. She will be missed.
Cathy Collins
January 14, 2024
Michael and family,
I was saddened to see notice of Ellen's passing. She was my mentor at BJC during CPE training. An incredible mentor, wonderful. She will be missed.
My thoughts and deepest prayers to you and your family
Cathy Collins
Joe dennis
January 13, 2024
Ellen and I were in school together as well as Sunday school. She was gifted and very kind. A truly good person.
Kim (Hibbs) Vaughan
January 13, 2024
Anne & family, so sorry to hear of your sister´s passing. Find comfort in the memories you have. Take care.
Kim (Hibbs) Vaughan
Wilmington, OH
Mark Miars
January 13, 2024
I was so sad to learn of the passing of Ellen. She was a childhood friend and Wilmington, Ohio High School classmate. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family. Mark Miars, Wilmington, Ohio.
Kathie mccarty
January 12, 2024
Ellen was such a sweet girl and a beautiful soul. Rip Ellen we will never forget you
Dianne Bonecutter Garrett
January 12, 2024
I am so very sorry. I graduated from high school with Ellen. I will always remember her as smart, sweet and kind. Rest well, my friend.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more