Obituary of Olympia McKinsey
– Our beloved mother, Olympia Gloria McKinsey, passed away peacefully in Atascadero, California, on June 13, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Olympia was born in Seligman, Arizona, and was the youngest daughter of Rosa Lobado Griego and Clemente Griego. She had two sisters, Benita Reynosa and Mary Guardado, whom she deeply admired. Their family moved to Barstow, California, when Oly was young. A few years after graduating from Barstow High School, Olympia began her career as a switchboard operator. She worked in telecommunications for over 30 years, retiring from GTE/Contel Communications in 1994 as a relocation specialist.
Olympia married in her early twenties and was the devoted mother of three children; Leslie, Richard, and Julie Sullenger. In 1972, they settled in Bakersfield, California, where she later met her second husband, Larry McKinsey. They shared nineteen beautiful years together. Larry was the love of her life. In the summer of 2005, after Larry’s passing, Olympia decided to move to Paso Robles, California, to be near Richard and his family. The move also brought her in closer proximity to her two daughters and their families, who lived in San Francisco.
Olympia was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Nothing brought her more happiness than being with her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a zest for life, and a love of music and dancing. In addition to her million-dollar smile, Oly was stylish and charming throughout her life. She was a true beauty inside and out.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses; Leslie Sullenger, Richard and Cindy Sullenger, Julie and Richard Rhodes, her grandchildren; Juliana and James Sullenger, Larkin and Beatrice White, Jackson Rhodes; and many extended family members.
A private celebration of life will be held in August 2026.
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