Becky Lee Keeling

Becky Lee Keeling, 52, of La Grande, died Feb. 2 at her home after a long battle with cancer. Her memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lighthouse Church in Island City.

Becky was born April 12, 1958, to Thomas (Ben) and Virginia L. (Bartholomew) Vernon at Lakeview. She grew up in Lakeview and graduated from Lakeview High School. After attending Oregon State University, Becky moved to La Grande to live and work in various positions.

She married local businessman Don Keeling in 1988. They became Realtors and opened the ReMax Real Estate agency with partners Shawna and Randy McKinnis. Becky continued to be active in the business after Don died in 2005.

For many years, Becky was involved with the Union County Chamber Board. She was a member of the Union County Planning Commission and served on the Blue Mountain Humane Association board. Those who knew Becky say she was instrumental in planning and organizing the Ag-Timber parade.

Becky started skiing at Warner Canyon ski area outside of Lakeview as a young child. After moving to La Grande she joined the ski patrol at Anthony Lakes and was an active member for more than 20 years.

She became an outdoor emergency care technician and instructor and an instructor trainer in the National Ski Patrol System. She held the Southern Idaho Region position of outdoor emergency care adviser and was patrol director for one term at Anthony Lakes. She assisted many new candidates in learning the skills of treating trauma on the mountain. The ski patrol became Becky's passion and her social family.

Raised on a cattle ranch in Southern Oregon, Becky loved the outdoors and was an avid skier, snowmobiler and horse woman.

Becky is survived by her parents, Ben and Virginia Vernon of Lakeview; and two brothers and their spouses, Jack and Debra Vernon of Lakeview and Tom and Brandy Vernon of Portland; one niece and one nephew; two stepdaughters, Jackie and Stacy; and one stepson, Sean.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Keeling.

Memorial contributions may be made to Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, Blue Mountain Humane Association or any other charity.

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