Lavaugne Ellen McKay, daughter of Leslie Clifford and Sylvia Pearl (Evans) Wheeler, was born December 20, 1916 near Spalding, NE. She attended rural schools, graduated from the eighth grade at the Park Center School, and attended high school at Bartlett.

As a young lady, Lou began doing housework for several families around the Elgin area. On March 4, 1935 she was united in marriage to Harold Wayne “Johnny” Tierney at Elgin, NE. The couple lived in Elgin before moving to Arcata, CA later that year, where they worked in the Barrel Factory.

In 1945, they moved back to the Elgin area where they farmed, drove truck and raised their children. After Johnny’s death on June 8, 1955, Lou began working as a telephone operator in Elgin. She later worked as a sales clerk for the Farmer’s COOP Exchange and then the Elgin Post Office, where she retired in the late 1980’s. Lou married Kenneth McKay on October 17, 1967 and the couple lived in Elgin until Kenny’s death in 1986.
Lou was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and Hobby Club. She enjoyed sewing, especially the many quilts that she made.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Donna Iburg of Petersburg; Melvina “Dodi” Mack and husband Brian of Elgin; Vicki Miller and husband Duane of Elgin; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: her twin Lavoigne “Lee” Kinnan and Edith “Ed” Moyer, both of Arcata, CA; along with many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands: Harold “Johnny” Tierney and Kenneth McKay; 1 son: Ron Tierney; 1 infant grandson; 2 sisters: Irene “Ike” Dixon and Carrie Dare; 1 brother Frank Wheeler.