Emma W. Warner Keyser

She entered this world on October 11, 1924, the only daughter of eight children born to Emerson and Clara (Turner) Warner. She married Robert Keyser on August 10, 1946 in Cobleskill, NY.

She began her life in Schoharie County, and moved when her husband’s job took them to Pulaski, NY, then to Fonda, NY, and finally to the Wells Bridge/Otego area where she lived for more than 50 years. At various times in her life, Emma worked as a secretary for Farm Bureau, as an egg processer for Earl’s Poultry Farm, and at Wilbur’s General Store (later Otego Big M Market) as a store cashier.

Emma’s favorite calling was that of a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a warm, engaging personality, and a wonderful sense of humor which remained throughout her earthly journey, and punctuated her trademark wisdom. She consistently provided a real-life example of putting Jesus first, other people second, and herself last.

For the past 20 years, Emma was a beloved member of the First Christian Church of Otego, where she supported Vacation Bible School, youth ministry and missionaries, and joined dear friends in the work of the Ladies’ Aid. Emma was at one time a member of the Otego Presbyterian Church, where she taught Vacation Bible School, served as Financial Secretary, and participated for over 30 years as a member of the Otego Presbyterian Women’s Association. It was there that she discovered her love for God’s Word through both personal and group Bible Study, which continued throughout her life. Emma came alongside and encouraged others, showing her love in a very hands-on fashion. She had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, which she shared freely, and which provided the foundation of quiet strength that was the hallmark of her life.

Emma is survived by her children, Lawrence “Joe” (Cindy) Keyser of Stamford, NY, Lori Keyser of Otego, and Lew (Carmen) Keyser, also of Otego, NY. Additionally, she has six grandchildren. Robert (Kirsten) Keyser of Duanesburg, Matthew (Renee) Keyser of Clinton, NY, Rebekah (Chris) Sheraw of Malta, NY, Heather (Phil) Elmer, South Korea, Scott Keyser (and close friend Lisa Vicki) of Jessup, PA, and Lauren (Adam) Burnham of Clinton, NY. Emma is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren, with another due in May, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bob in 1997, and daughter Janis, who died in infancy, as well as each of her own 7 siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the First Christian Church, 698 County Hwy 6, Otego, with the Rev. William Allen, officiating. Emma will be laid to rest in the Breakabeen Cemetery later in the spring.

Friends and family are invited to visit at the church from 11am to 1pm prior to the service, during which time Emma’s family will receive guests.

In lieu of flowers, Emma’s family requests that you kindly consider making a charitable donation in her memory to one of the following: First Christian Church, P.O. Box 133, Otego, NY 13825; Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820; or to the Otego Volunteer Fire Dept., 5 River Street, Otego, NY 13825.

Emma’s family is deeply grateful for the love and prayers which sustained them throughout Emma’s illness. Although too numerous to list here individually, the people of the First Christian Church of Otego, the Otego Presbyterian Church, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, At-Home Care of Bassett, as well as the Otego Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Squad, are especially noteworthy.