Marilyn R Keefer

Marilyn Rae Keefer, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home on March 13, 2021. She was born March 2, 1933 in Buchanan, Michigan to Pharos and Dorothy Wallace. In 9th grade she met her future husband, Ernest (Ernie) Gervin Keefer, while attending a church dance. They married on June 7, 1952 and shared 47 years of marriage. Ernie proceeded her in death in 1999.

Marilyn was strong in her faith and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her life was a living example of the Bible Verses 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

In 1961 Marilyn and Ernie adopted their first child, Marilyn Louise, at the age of 3 1/2 and in 1963 adopted their newborn son, Mark Edward. Marilyn raised her family in Grand Ledge where she and Ernie built their home in 1966. Marilyn was a stay-at-home mom faithfully supporting the day-to-day activities of raising a family while Ernie worked in Detroit.

Through the years, Marilyn enjoyed her Friday night dinners with friends, her bowling league with her neighborhood girlfriends, her Bunco ladies, and summer weekends with family on their sailboat, the "Concord". She enjoyed flying and took many trips to Nevada and Arizona to visit her sister. She looked forward to weekly Bible Study, Sunday Church services at Rivers Edge Community Church, and visits from her close friend, Ann Blalock. The highlight of every day was her 5:00 p.m. phone call when she and her sister would talk, share their day's events, and pray together to close out their call.

She never turned down the opportunity to spend time with family. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: a sister and best friend, Beverly Dunlap, aged 92 of Crawfordsville, IN; children, Marilyn Louise (Scott) Coverdale, Mark (Mia) Keefer; grandchildren, Melissa (Cory) Teegardin, Breighn (Ryan) Lehmann, Chase Keefer, and Jordan Coverdale; great-grandchildren, Zayden Olger, Kendall Lehmann, Kyven Teegardin, Scarlett Teegardin, and Axl Coverdale; special niece, Kathy (Dan) Hampton; great-nephew, Brad Hampton, and great-great niece, Brittany Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pharos and Dorothy Wallace; husband, Ernest Keefer; and brother-in-laws, Norman Keefer and Kenneth Dunlap.

Marylin will be cremated and a memorial service is scheduled for March 22, at 5:00 p.m. at Rivers Edge Community Church. A refreshment reception will be held immediately following.

Marilyn set an example of generosity, so in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Rivers Edge Community Church in Marilyn's honor. Donations will support families in need of food and shelter in the greater Lansing area.