Kathleen Ann Keefer, 73, of Avilla passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 15th, 2023 at Parkview Dekalb, Auburn Indiana with her family by her side. Kathy was born on August 11th, 1949, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Don and Eileen (May) Opliger.
Kathy graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 1967. In 1971 she earned a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Purdue University. After graduating from college, she started her career as a Lab Technician from Milk Marketing and Burger Dairy. Following that, she had a variety of jobs. She ran a successful roadside produce market with her father. Later she worked as a CNA/QMA for several nursing homes. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for several years before happily retiring in 2012.
Kathy's greatest joy in her life was her 2 children, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Kathy loved painting, learning from watching Bob Ross. She enjoyed sewing various items. She enjoyed gardening and all of her house plants. Kathy also loved playing bingo and going to casinos. She also loved and spoiling all of her 4 legged pets.
She is survived by a son Dr. Chad Keefer of Angola In, and a daughter Shellie (Jeff) Tucker of Kendallville In. Grandchildren Brandt, Brittany, Mariah, Jayden and Travis. Great Grandchildren Corey, Kaelynn, Zara and Banks. Her siblings Judy (Jeff) Gilbert, Ron (Billi) Opliger and Sandy (Tim) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, two Great Grandchildren Clifford and Willow, and her beloved best friends Sosa and Mater Dog.
Pallbearers will be Chad, Brittany, Mariah, Brandt, Tim and Tyler. Honorary pallbearers will be Jayden and Travis.
A gathering of family and friends for service will be at 1:30pm, Thursday February 24th, 2023, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, Wednesday, February 23rd, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to the family.
