Gayle Ann Keene

Gayle was our rock, our foundation, and our prayer warrior. A woman of great faith, she never wavered in her devotion to Jesus. Even during tough or difficult times, Mom was always the first one to turn to prayer.

Mom loved reading the Bible. She often had a devotional or Bible commentary with her as she had her daily devotions, and she would often provide us with a little bit of wisdom or insight into what she had learned that day.

Mom was the hardest-working person I’ve ever met. She was a nurse, and she took great joy in caring for others. Her kind and compassionate nature made her perfect for that career, and she was often the calming voice of faith and reassurance to others as they cared for their loved ones.

Mom also loved animals. She was always in the company of one of her furry companions and loved both cats and dogs equally. They also loved her. Growing up, we rescued countless creatures in need of a good home.

Mom was born in 1936 in Escanaba, MI. She carried with her the Midwest work ethic and sense of integrity and selfless service that many of her generation possessed. Mom would do anything for anyone, and her greatest joy was in seeing her 5 children grow and develop into adulthood.

Mom also had an infectious laugh, and what I loved most about her was her sense of childlike innocence and exuberance for life. She enjoyed simple things, like working a crossword puzzle, learning new recipes, watching true crime shows, and being out in nature.

We were fortunate to provide her with numerous trips to the park and the lake in her final days. She was perfectly content just being out in the fresh air and sunlight, enjoying the splendor and beauty of the Lord’s creation.

When she moved in with us, she never complained about her situation. She was always positive and upbeat, in spite of her health issues, and she maintained her razor-sharp wit and goofy sense of humor right until the very end. I think that I will miss her smile most of all.

Mom inspired all of us to be better people. Mom enjoyed life. And, above all, Mom was kind.

We are heartbroken at her passing, but we grieve not as others grieve, for we know that He has conquered death (I Thess. 4:13).

“For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1Cor. 15:53-55 NLT (Mom’s favorite translation)

Soli Deo Gloria

Go rest, Mom. You’ve fought the good fight.

We love you!