ILION/HERKIMER-Mrs. Dorothy B. (Bruso) McKinney, 71, formerly of Ilion and most recently of Herkimer clicked her heels three times and went home to the Lord early Tuesday morning, February 17, 2009. Her passing occurred in Valley Health Services, Herkimer, following a lengthy illness. She was born on April 13, 1937 in Ilion, daughter of the late William and Margaret (Rowland) Bruso and educated in Ilion schools. On March 10, 1957 she was joined in marriage with Carlton "Tom" McKinney in the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer; the couple have enjoyed a union of 51 years. Dorothy dedicated her life to taking care of her husband, children and grandchildren. She was at one time employed with Decision Data in Pennsylvania and was of the Catholic faith. Dorothy was proud of her country and more so of those who gave of their selves to protect it. A great source of satisfaction to her was to be surrounded by "those who served", never missing a veteran function. She was affiliated with several veterans' groups and was a life member of the following: Remsen VFW Auxillary #982, Little Falls American Legion Post #31, Disabled American Veterans Auxillary, 17th infantry regiment, VFW National Home, and the AM Vets #777; was an associate member of the Korean War Vets Chapter 239, member of the Chosen Few, past 4th district president of the VFW Herkimer County Council, past secretary of the Town of Herkimer Veterans Council, serving in this capacity for over 10 years, was a member of the Mom's of Dad's of Foreign Service Vet's #244, and past president of the Herkimer VFW Post #4915 Auxillary. Dorothy was previously honored as "Good Citizen of the Year" by the Herkimer VFW Post 4915 and served as den mother for the 1st handicap Cub Scout den in Herkimer County. Dorothy's life centered on family and community: caring for her loved ones occupied her time, her energies and her constant attention. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by her beloved grandchildren and cherished great grandchildren. In addition to her family interests and concerns, she enjoyed collecting frogs and especially collecting Wizard of Oz Memorabilia. Dorothy was extremely talented with plastic canvas. She leaves her beloved husband; Carlton "Tom" of Mohawk; two daughters: Michele Conklin and husband Mark of Oriskany Falls and Marcia McKinney and Phil Williams of Remsen; her son: Michael McKinney and wife Debra of Ilion; a brother: William Bruso and wife Bea of Ilion and a sister: Violet Mainer of Frankfort; ten grandchildren: Amy and Ken Smith, Tami and Phil Wojik, Eric McKinney and fiance Lisa, April Hurren, Michael J. McKinney, Kelly Lynn Hurren, Justin McKinney, Krystal McKinney, Allyson McKinney, and Sean D. McKinney; five great grandchildren: Zoe, Ty, Brook, Cooper and Ruby; inlaws: Leonard & Helen Mckinney of GA, Gloria Bunce of Herkimer, Herbert & Beverly McKinney of Mohawk and Robert Mckinney also of Mohawk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by a daughter: Mary Magdelyn; a son: Sgt. Matthew McKinney; a brother: Edward Bruso; two sisters: Marion Schwerdt and Lola M. Miller. The family will be present at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., between Ilion and Frankfort, (894-8000) to receive relatives and friends on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 12-3:00 p.m. Her funeral will commence at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Kent Trievel, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Remsen, officiating. Interment will take place in the spring in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. Because of the numerous veteran memberships that Dorothy held, one ritualistic service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home on Saturday in which any member of the above mentioned organizations are invited to take part. The family offers its heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Valley Health Services, Herkimer especially those on the second floor who attended and cared for Dorothy and who provided excellent care that was both compassionate and professional. As an expression of sympathy to the family, kindly consider memorial offerings to Valley Health Services, 690 W. German St., Herkimer or to a charity of ones choice. Envelopes may be obtained at the Enea Family Funeral Home.