Miriam Ruth McKinley, age 84, of Portage, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021. She was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1936 to Adelbert and Helen Cartwright.

Miriam is survived by her husband of 67 years, James McKinley; twin sons Jay (Bari-Tennette) McKinley and Jon (Cindy Finley) McKinley; daughter Michelle (JR) Williams; 5 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Miriam met James McKinley, her future husband, at Calvary Baptist Church in Highland, Indiana. Jim was part of a musical ensemble made up of graduates from Moody Bible Institute. Miriam asked Jim if he would like to play a piano duet together, and as he says, they played duets together for the next 68 years. They married on June 16, 1953, at the same church they met.

Miriam was a talented musician. She served the Lord by singing and playing the piano and organ for church for more than 60 years, first at Calvary Baptist Church and then at Lake Hills Baptist Church in Schererville, Indiana. She was a much-loved piano teacher, having taught dozens and dozens of students over several decades. She taught her last lesson 2 days before she went into the hospital.

Miriam enjoyed music, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing computer games. A devoted wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she loved God wholeheartedly and delighted in sharing her faith. Her family and friends will miss her dearly but are comforted in knowing she is in the presence of her Lord.

In lieu of a funeral, her family will have a private memorial service.