Emma F. Skiba

Funeral services for Emma F. Skiba, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Skiba passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in West Plains.

She was born on April 1, 1937, in Elizabeth, Arkansas, to Jasper and Clara Haynes.  Emma lived a life marked by devotion—to her family, her church, and her Lord. She was a woman of deep faith who began every day with her Bible and could be found at Central Calvary Baptist Church whenever its doors were open. For 39 years, she was a faithful and beloved member of the church, where her servant’s heart and gentle spirit touched countless lives.  Emma was first married to Eddie McKee, and from this union were born five children: Jerry McKee, Sammie McKee, Alice Turner, Roy McKee, and John McKee. On September 1, 1979, she was married in California to Samuel Lambert, who preceded her in death on January 15, 1995; together they welcomed a son, Shane Lambert. On March 12, 1998, she was married in Howell County, Missouri, to Theodore Skiba, who preceded her in death on April 4, 2008.  Above all else, Emma loved being a mother. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she became a pillar of support not only to her family but also to her extended church family.  Known for her warmth and hospitality, Emma delighted in hosting holidays and gathering loved ones around her table. She never met a stranger, and her life was a testament to the love she freely gave. Every Tuesday, she cherished time spent sharing a meal with friends, a tradition that reflected her deep appreciation for fellowship and community.  Emma was truly loved by all who knew her, and her legacy of kindness, faith, and service will continue through the many lives she nurtured and inspired.  Emma’s life was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love, and her memory will forever remain a guiding light to those who knew her.

She is survived by four children, Jerry McKee, Sammie McKee, Roy McKee and wife, Cathy, and Shane Lambert and wife, Drayanna; three step-children, Gary Lambert and wife, Dot, Kyle Lambert, and Joy Killough and husband, Terry; fifteen grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Kellum, and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, husband, one son, John McKee, one daughter, Alice Turner, one step-son, Quincy Lambert, and seven brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Central Calvary Baptist Church, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.