Iva Grist McKinnie

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Iva G. McKinnie, 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas. 

She died peacefully on September 18, 2025. She was born in Granite, Oklahoma in 1935 to parents Joe C. Grist and Ratha Grist who moved to Arkansas shorty after her birth. Iva graduated from England High School in 1953. 

Following her graduation, she attended Draughn School of Business, receiving her associate's degree after 2 years.During that time, she served as a nanny. Just one of her many talents and responsibilities she would have in her life.Most of Iva's life and career was spent in Little Rock at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The first 4 years at the College of Health-Related Professions then the next 12 years as Assistant Dean for the College of Nursing and following up as Business Administrator for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, accumulating 39 years' service at UAMS before retiring in July 2014.Iva was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Hayes Lloyd McKinnie, twin brother Joe R. Grist, her older sister Ruth Capriotti and younger brother Paul E. Grist. 

Iva is survived by her youngest sister Shirley Anderson Romilly (husband Roderick) of Little Rock, and Brother-in-law James McKinnie (wife Lonnie) of Cookeville, TN. Nephews Terry Anderson (wife Charlotte) of Little Rock, Turner McKinnie (wife Peggy) of Mount Juliet, TN and Michael Grist of England, AR. Nieces Susan Capriotti of Little Rock, Linda Capriotti of Arlington, TX, Dr. Jenna Hester (husband Trey) of Memphis, TN and great nieces Sophie Anderson, Madallene Capriotti-Ross and great nephews Terry Joe Grist and Thomas Anderson as well as several other great nephews and nieces.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, November 22nd at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m.

Iva and Hayes' ashes will be interred within a columbarium at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas where they will again be reunited.

Donations to UAMS Cancer Center or the Pulaski County Humane Society in honor of Iva's memory, would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.