Jean was the only child of Clare and Grace Milburn and grew up on a farm in the Craik, Saskatchewan district. After she completed school she moved to Balcarres, Saskatchewan to work and there she met Robert W. (Bob) Keys. They were married in 1950 and the celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. Jean worked for many years in the office of Dr. Phyllis Steele in Balcarres until she and Bob opened an insurance business which they operated until their retirement in 1984.
Although Balcarres was always home, Bob and Jean enjoyed many winters in Arizona and summers at their cottage at Katepwa Lake. Eventually the cottage was replaced with a new home that became their year round residence for 10 years. Katepwa was always Jean’s favorite place to live. They moved back to Balcarres in 2008 and in 2015 relocated to Regina. For health reasons Jean moved to the Sunset Long-Term Care Home in 2019.
Jean had many interests but family was always at the top of the list. Sunday suppers which began as family picnics evolved into weekly events with extended family at Katepwa or in Balcarres. The family enjoyed summer camping for many years and Bob and Jean continued to do so after retirement. They enjoyed visiting their many friends throughout Saskatchewan, often in their motor home. Friends included their Arizona social circle and many contacts through Jean’s significant involvement in Eastern Star where she attained the position of Worthy Grand Matron.
Jean was known for her constant smile and friendly, happy personality. She was never happier than with her daughters and their families - Suzanne Watson and her husband Rick, granddaughter Jackie, her husband Neil Diacon and their children Brayden and Kennedy; and grandson Robbie: daughter Sheri Fenwick and her husband Kevin, grandson Adam, his wife Sheena and their children Owen and Shaelyn: and grandson Aaron, his wife Terri and their son, Hudson.
In addition to Bob, Suzanne, Sheri and their families, Jean is also survived by Bob’s sister, Bernice Sharp of Balcarres. She was predeceased by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John Sharp, Alvin and Norma Keys, and Lawrence and Frances Keys.
Jean will be interred at a private family ceremony at the Anglican church cemetery at Katepwa Lake.
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