Barbara Maxine Keele

July 9, 1934 - December 3, 2021

Barbara Maxine Keele   Alta and Seth brought our wonderful mother into the world on July 9th, 1934.  Mom left us December 3rd, 2022.   She was the baby of the family, and while she didn’t talk a lot about her growing up I do remember the story of the accident in the field that torn up her leg when she was a teenager and the vivid picture she painted of Grampa Seth picking her up and running across the field to get her to the hospital.   Mom loved her brothers, but was especially close to her sister, LaRue.  In those days, she wouldn’t have known the term for it, but they were definitely besties.    Eventually growing up and giving birth to the most perfect daughter, Dana, she survived a house fire in the middle of the night that took everything except her child.     Eventually siblings Jay, Christy, Robin and Calli came along.  Her and dad gave us a great child hood.  While we were never what you would call well off, we sure had a lot of adventures.  Homemade costumes, Yellowstone, Heise Hot Springs, Silver Dollar Bar, Prince Edward Island, all the animals, the fresh gardens, camping, boating…. It was never boring.    We were so fortunate.  We learned how to poke fun at each other and laugh at ourselves.  By example, we developed a strong work ethic and learned how to tackle any project.  And there were a lot of projects.   Losing dad left mom a little lost, but her love for family helped her rally. As time took its toll and mom’s mind began to waiver, her sense of humor continued to shine through.  Even if it was accidentally funny because she was confused, it was again that sense of humor she helped foster in us that made the more difficult moments somewhat bearable. There were not many dull moments.    Mom is survived by Brother Max, her children, 7 grandchildren and a plethora of extended family members that adored her.    I think mom should know…. If love alone could have kept you here, you would have lived forever.