Funeral arrangements have been announced for Christie McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley McWilliams, who were killed in Sunday’s deadly shooting in Rittman.
According to their newly released obituaries, family and friends will gather to celebrate their lives during a joint visitation and memorial service Saturday at Rittman United Methodist Church, 211 N. Metzger St.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. Pastor Tim Short will officiate the service. Burial of their ashes will take place at Rittman Cemetery.
Christie, 43, was born Sept. 30, 1982, in Barberton. A graduate of Rittman High School, she later earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credential from the University of Mount Union. Throughout her career, she worked in medical credentialing and as a real estate agent with Howard Hanna.
Her obituary describes her greatest joy as being a mother to her two children, Landon and McKinley. She rarely missed one of McKinley’s softball or volleyball games and was known as her biggest supporter from the sidelines.
Christie also loved country music and enjoyed attending concerts with family and friends. One of her favorite recent memories was attending a Morgan Wallen concert with McKinley.
McKinley, who turned 13 in May, was born May 24, 2013, in Medina. She attended Norwayne Middle School, where her bright personality and kind heart left a lasting impression on classmates and teachers.
She enjoyed playing softball and volleyball, drawing, creating TikTok videos and spending time with her family. Her obituary notes the special bond she shared with her mother through their love of country music and the memories they created together.
McKinley is survived by her father, Dan (Whitney) McWilliams; her brother, Landon McWilliams; her maternal grandparents, Jeff and Sharon Steese; her paternal grandmother, Barbara McWilliams; her half-sister, Haven Rain Ammons-McWilliams; and her half-brother, Daxton Jett Ammons-McWilliams.
Christie is survived by her parents, Jeff and Sharon Steese; her son, Landon McWilliams; her brother, Wesley Steese; her former husband and the father of her children, Dan McWilliams; and numerous extended family members.
Christie and McKinley were killed during the July 5 shooting that also claimed the life of Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries. Four Medina County sheriff’s deputies were wounded, along with Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick, who has since been released from the hospital and continues recovering at home. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate the shooting.
