Kathleen C. Keiger, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 2, 2022 due to complications from Covid, just 28 days shy of her 97th birthday. Kathleen was born on December 30, 1925, in Yadkin County, NC to Robert Thad and Nellie May Caudle. She grew up in Winston Salem, NC.
Kathleen married Boone Anderson (B.A.) Keiger Jr. on September 10, 1949, at Lee Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Forsyth County, NC. They had four children, Bonnie Patricia, Christina Marie, Barbara Leigh, and Boone Anderson III. Kathleen and B.A. resided in Sarasota, FL for over 65 years. Kathleen often managed their household single handedly while B.A. worked out of town. She was a devoted mother, remembered fondly for the beautiful clothing she sewed for her children. In addition to being a full-time mother, Kathleen spent many years working for the Sarasota County Motor Vehicles Tag Office and regularly volunteered for the local chapter of the Democratic Women’s Club.
After retiring, Kathleen and B.A. became avid collectors of Heisey glass and spent many hours combing thrift stores and antique shops in search of treasures. They became well respected Heisey enthusiasts, known for their extensive, meticulously organized collection packed in iconic Chiquita Banana boxes. Their retirement allowed Kathleen and B.A. to be doting grandparents, regularly spending extended periods of time with their grandchildren. Both Kathleen and B.A. took great pride in watching their children’s young families grow and rarely missed opportunities to spoil their grandchildren with time and attention.
During her golden years, Kathleen spent most of her time with her youngest daughter in Boulder, Colorado. Kathleen, Barbara, and Jeff Yarrington, Barbara’s significant other, regularly enjoyed going gallivanting to thrift stores, taking mountain excursions, visiting with friends, and going to happy hour. They would also volunteer at various events including staffing an aid station for the annual Triple Bypass bike ride. Kathleen enjoyed Colorado’s natural beauty, especially the wildlife. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting at the kitchen table observing the birds and squirrels while she leisurely enjoyed her breakfast. Kathleen was frequently visited and doted upon by her daughters and grandchildren, who she always welcomed with open arms.
Affectionately nicknamed Gmom, Mamacita, and Sunshine, Kathleen is remembered for her southern charm and elegance. She was extremely generous, warm, and welcoming. She kept everyone on their toes with her wicked sense of humor. Kathleen was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who made everyone around her feel appreciated and special.
Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara Hutchins (Winston-Salem, NC), and her husband, B.A. Keiger (Sarasota, FL). She is survived by her five children, Carol Fletcher Lanier (Union, SC), Patricia Rippee (Evans City, PA), Dr. Christina M. Keiger (Columbia, SC), Barbara L. Keiger (Boulder, CO), and Boone Anderson Keiger III (Sarasota, FL). She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Alex L. LeBlanc, Shelby M. LeBlanc, William Lanier, Robin Lanier Tomlison, Christopher Rippee, and Stephen Rippee.
Kathleen will be buried with her husband at the Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. The family is planning to hold a memorial service in the spring of 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Heisey Collectors of America, 169 W Church St Newark, OH 43055 (heiseymuseum.org) or The Wild Animal Sanctuary 1946 County Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643 (wildanimalsanctuary.org).
Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.
Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Keiger family.
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