Charles Ray Keith

Charles Ray Keith, 89, of Payette, went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 22, 2017 at home with family by his side. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29th at the River of Life Christian Center, 800 7th Ave. N Payette. Private family interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Condolences may be made to Charles’ family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Charles was born Nov. 20, 1927 in Ringling, OK to Benjamin and Esther Keith. He grew up in Winters, CA and entered the U.S. Navy in 1945. After his discharge he joined the Army and served in the Korean War. He then returned to Winters, CA where he met and married Bertie Birdwell on Aug. 12, 1955. He lived and worked in California until 1975 when he and Bertie moved to Payette. He owned and operated a pawn shop in Fruitland until retiring in 1990. He was an avid elk hunter. He became a Christian in 1953 and was dedicated member of the River of Life Christian Church.

A daughter Beth, granddaughter Renae, his parents, five brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Charles is survived by his wife Bertie of Payette; three sons, Matt (Janelle) Keith of Payette, Michael Keith of Nampa, and Joel Keith of Boise; two sisters Waltine Barber of Lakeview, OR and Lena Hanel of Chico, CA and one brother, Glenn Keith (Sue) of Payette; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

To honor Charles’ memory, memorials may be made to River of Life Christian Center, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.