Elizabeth Antoinette Keithley

Elizabeth Antoinette Keithley died gracefully on September 3, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 95. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) after 47 years of marriage, which she often claimed were the best years of Bob’s life. From her birth until her death Betty surrounded herself with the people she loved the most. She remained consistent in character, generosity and showed her lively spirit all of her life. She had a quick wit, loved to laugh, at herself and with you. Once you were her friend, you became her family. She showed her love by showering you with her consummate hostess skills. Betty always made you feel welcome, loved and cared for while you were in her home or even merely in her presence.

During WWII Betty proudly volunteered her excellent dancing skills to the USO where she and her sister Eunice and local friends did their best to cheer up the local servicemen who were shipping out to protect this great nation. She enjoyed telling tales of dancing the night away with a full dance card each weekend. She also was a member of the Eastern Star where she was actively involved.

Her greatest joy was the close loving relationship she had with her son Michael, who died suddenly in 2015. Her greatest achievements were her growing family who will be left to carry her spirit forward in the future. Her grandsons Chris (wife Nadja) and Jeff (Valerie) Keithley and most especially her great grandchildren Cash, Sunny, Jaylen and Taylor were each tremendous sources of joy for her. She left Indianapolis to be nearer to them as she grew older. The time spent once the birth of the great grandchildren began was cherished. Nothing lifted her spirits more than sharing stories of their antics with all who were within earshot. Betty was especially appreciative of the dedication and love showered on her by her daughters-in-law Paula and Beverly. Mike’s second wife Robin and her son Tony (Kelly) Soelter and their children Kraig and Harper were also important part of her life’s history and she loved them as well.

Betty’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her sister Eunice’s family, and especially to her niece Carol Shinn who dedicated her life to caring for Betty in ways too numerous to mention. Carol’s sons and Betty’s great nephews Joshua and Nicholas and her great great nephew Javen were constant companions who cheered her up with laughter and love deep to her soul with each visit. Betty adored college basketball and never missed an opportunity to talk about the games with her nephew Gary who visited as often as possible with his wife Lorie. She loved catching up her other nephews Larry and Greg (Patty) as well as keeping tabs on her great nephews Michael and Warren as often as possible.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held Sept 9, 2017. Indiana Summer was always Betty’s favorite time of year, during the times of bountiful harvest. Betty’s life was bountiful as well. Betty looked forward to reuniting with the loves of her life, Bob and Michael, her parents, 6 siblings and countless friends who left this earth far too early when she meets with them in this next chapter of her story in the hereafter. She spoke to them often in thoughts and by prayer. We know they are rejoicing as she joins them there. Betty lived her life well. She will be sorely missed.