Beatrice May Keeling

Beatrice May Keeling, age 83, of La Grande, died June 25, 2003 at her home.

Beatrice was born in Butte, Montana on December 14, 1919 to William H. and Isabella Mars Evans. When Bea was 6 years old, her parents, with their 5 young children immigrated to Northern Alberta and homesteaded in the Peace River Country. Bea was raised in the Peace River country where she rode her white horse "Dickie" to the 1 room school where she completed through the 6th grade.

She later moved to Lake Ketchless in Washington where she met her future husband. She and Ken were married on June 6, 1941. They were married for 50 years.

Bea was involved in many organizations including kids.
She was a Kindergarten teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother,
taught Sunday school, and was involved in the PTA. She was involved in the official ballot counting in Morrow and Union Counties for many years. Bea was also a "sky watcher" for the government in the 50's recording the types of planes observed over Morrow County.

Bea loved her flowers and for many years furnished the flowers for the United Methodist Church in La Grande for their Sunday alter.

She is survived by her son Ken Keeling of Corvallis and son and daughter-in-law Don & Becky Keeling in La Grande. She has 5 grandchildren and 6 ½ great grandchildren. She is also survived by her wonderful caregiver Jeanne Carter. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, brother, James Evans and sisters, Edith Northey, Margaret Bibby,Ruth Fortier. She has many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grandview Cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions to the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.