The community of Rittman, Ohio is mourning the death of McKinley McWilliams, a bright and much-loved 13-year-old whose life was tragically cut short on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when she passed away alongside her mother, Christie McWilliams.
Born on May 24, 2013, in Medina, Ohio, McKinley was the daughter of Dan and Christie McWilliams and a student at Norwayne Middle School. Those who knew her remember a vibrant, fun-loving girl whose kind heart and joyful personality made a lasting impression on classmates, friends, and everyone lucky enough to know her. She was deeply connected to her mother, sharing a special love for country music and the moments they spent together. That bond now stands at the center of an especially heartbreaking loss for the family and community.
McKinley was passionate about softball and volleyball, sports that gave her not only excitement and purpose but also close friendships with teammates. Away from athletics, she was creative and expressive, with a love for drawing and making TikTok videos. She also cherished time with her brother, Landon, and adored her cats, Brutus and Lucy. Her obituary paints the picture of a young girl full of life, talent, humor, and affection, someone who was building memories everywhere she went without knowing how deeply those moments would one day matter to others.
McKinley is survived by her father, Dan McWilliams; her brother, Landon McWilliams; her grandparents, siblings, and extended family who are now carrying an unimaginable grief. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in her memory on Saturday, July 11, at Rittman United Methodist Church, where a celebration of her life will be held. Though her life was far too short, McKinley McWilliams is being remembered in Rittman as a loving daughter, sister, athlete, and friend whose spirit left a mark well beyond her years.
McKinley McWilliams, Death, Rittman, Ohio Obituary: Beloved Passed Away at 13
The community of Rittman, Ohio is mourning the death of McKinley McWilliams, a 13-year-old girl remembered for her kindness, creativity, and joyful spirit, following her passing on July 5, 2026, alongside her mother, Christie McWilliams.
McKinley was born in Medina on May 24, 2013, and grew up surrounded by family, school friends, and the activities she loved most. She attended Norwayne Middle School, where her bright personality made her someone classmates would not easily forget. Family members described her as vibrant and full of life, with a warm heart that showed in both her friendships and the bond she shared with those closest to her. Among those relationships, none seemed more special than the one she had with her mother, with whom she shared a love of country music and many treasured memories.
Her obituary also reflects the wide range of things that made McKinley who she was. She loved playing softball and volleyball, and she brought the same energy to the court and field that she carried into everyday life. She was artistic, loved to draw, and enjoyed following TikTok trends and creating videos of her own. At home, she found joy in spending time with her brother Landon and caring for her beloved cats, Brutus and Lucy. These details, small on their own, come together to show the life of a young girl who was active, imaginative, and deeply loved.
McKinley leaves behind her father Dan, her brother Landon, grandparents, siblings, and many relatives and friends now left to grieve both her and her mother. As Rittman prepares to gather for visitation and a celebration of her life, McKinley McWilliams is being remembered not just for the tragedy of her passing, but for the laughter, love, and light she brought into the lives around her.