Ethel "Jacci" Roberta McKenzie

Ethel Roberta McKenzie, known to most as Jacci and affectionately called Robbie by family in her youth, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. She was 70 years old. Jacci’s passing followed a long and courageous battle with chronic illness and autoimmune disease, which she faced for many years with admirable resilience and grace.

Born on August 20, 1955, in Del Rio, Texas, to Keith and Eloise Stukenburg, Jacci’s family would quickly relocate to Independence, Kansas. There, she spent her early years surrounded by the love and strong relationships that would guide her throughout the rest of her life. Her father’s military service and her mother’s devotion to home and family shaped much of Jacci’s early character, as did the traditional, simple values that naturally arise within the borders of small Midwestern towns. There, she built lifelong bonds with her family – especially with her beloved cousin, Lisa, who was raised with Jacci much like a sister. Their bond would be a pivotal relationship throughout the entirety of Jacci’s life.

A graduate of Independence High School (the “Bulldogs”), Jacci went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Education from Pittsburg State University (the “Gorillas”). She briefly taught elementary school before marrying Joseph Mark Widner in 1978. In 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Vanessa Lynn, who would become the central joy and purpose of Jacci’s life. Though their marriage ended a few years later, Mark and Jacci maintained a rare and enduring friendship for the benefit of their daughter.

In 1995, Jacci married the love of her life, Christopher (“Chris”) Scott McKenzie, who remained by her side through every joy and challenge of their nearly thirty-year marriage. Chris was Jacci’s constant companion through her many health challenges, and she often expressed her gratitude for his unwavering care.

Throughout her career, Jacci held many professional roles that reflected her natural people skills. After moving to Overland Park, she began her career as a legal secretary, then worked in Human Resources where she met her close friend, Jean O’Fill. Jean’s company, Blue Spoon Entertainment, opened the door to one of the most unique jobs of Jacci’s career – her work promoting the country singer and actor, Brad Hawkins. It was during this time she adopted the name “Jacci,” a more modern moniker that suited her social and outgoing personality.

Jacci and Brad developed a strong, family-like bond that endured long past their years of professional collaboration. She often described him as being like a son, and their relationship was a source of pride for Jacci until her final days.

After Blue Spoon, Jacci worked at the gift and collectables store, Gifts & Accents, where she made many close friends, including her dear friend Margie who remained a loyal companion for decades. Later, Jacci returned to legal work at the local law office, Ferree, Bunn, O'Grady & Rundberg. She took great pride in her work and in supporting her family during this time, celebrating her daughter’s accomplishments as Vanessa completed college, attended medical school, and built a family of her own.

Jacci’s greatest joy came from her family, and this multiplied when she became a grandmother – “GaGa” – to Kallan (born 2009) and Tesla (born 2012). She adored them beyond measure, sending regular photo updates to extended family and participating in every milestone of their lives.

Though health issues led to her retirement around 2014, Jacci continued to find joy in her family, friends, and her ability to bring people together. She planned a large family trip to Disney World in 2018 – a highlight of her later years. She was known for her outgoing nature, her friendly and social personality, and her generosity. She gave freely of her time, resources, and advice, often placing others’ needs above her own. She had an artistic side, too – once enjoying ceramics and painting – as well as possessing a lifelong love of travel and planning said adventures.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher McKenzie; her daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and Robert Ren; and her cherished grandchildren, Kallan and Tesla Ren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Eloise Stukenburg.

Funeral services: A viewing and celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 18th, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas (8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215). A brief memorial and viewing will follow on Sunday, October 19th, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas (122 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Independence, KS 67301), with interment beside her parents at Mount Hope Cemetery.