She was born November 2, 1921, in Tiffin, to Otto and Rose (Smith) Elchert. She married Joseph J. Keefe October 19, 1946, in St. Joseph Catholic Church. He died May 21, 2004.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Hank) Elchert and Theresa (Richard) Best, both of Tiffin; five sons, John (Carol) Keefe, LaVerne (Janet) Keefe, both of Tiffin, David (Alice) Keefe of New Riegel, Marvin (Theresa) Keefe, and Duane (Deb) Keefe, both of Tiffin; a daughter-in-law, Diana (Toby) Schreiner of Toledo; 25 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and two great grandchildren on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son, Francis Keefe, five sisters, Myrtle Kenan, Sr. Marie Celine, Bernadine Huss, Pauline Hohman, and Evelyn Gerten; four brothers, Reuben, Ivan, Eugene, and Richard Elchert; and an infant great grandchild.
Mrs. Keefe was a 1939 graduate of Calvert High School and worked as a sales clerk at SS Kresge and as a straightener at US Glass House prior to marriage. She then devoted her life as a homemaker, wife, and mother. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church for over 60 years, its Rosary Altar Society, and the Wednesday Night Pinochle Card Club. She enjoyed bowling, embroidery, family picnics, listening to polka music, and time spent with her family, whom she always put first.
Visitation will be Monday, May 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 South Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113, with a Wake Service at 8:30 pm, lead by Rev. Ed Schleter.
Prayers will be said at 9:30 am Tuesday, May 15, at the funeral home, followed by the funeral Mass at 10 am, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Roemmele officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited in church 20 minutes prior to Mass.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Church, Calvert Catholic Schools, Mercy Tiffin Hospital, or Heartland Hospice.