Obituary of Helen Louise Keith

Helen Louise Keith, 83, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 25, 2024.  She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Keith Jr.; her children and their spouses, Steven Brown (Michelle), Cynthia Garrard (Richard), Alan Keith (Renee), Karen Keith (Dave), John Keith IV (Tammy); her grandchildren, Allison, Chase, Christopher, Daniel, Hannah, Jason, Jordyn, Justin, Katrina, Kylee, Matt, Meagan; and many great-grandchildren as well.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son Ryan Brown, her parents Raymond and Irene Steele, and her siblings Maxine Shaw, Ronald Steele, Peggy Jordan and Roger Steele.

Helen was a joyful, kind, selfless woman with an infectious laugh. She raised six children of her own, and helped raise many others through her babysitting co-op and the many friends that her children brought home who needed some extra maternal love. She could always squeeze in one more at the dinner table or find a bed for them to sleep in and never turned away anyone in need.  She was a Boy Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Troop Leader and Cookie Manager, an Avon Sales Rep, a bookkeeper for a local business, and she built many lifelong friendships through the years.  Once her children were grown, she worked as an Administrative Assistant and she retired with Bank of America Commercial Real Estate in 2007. Once retired she was able to further indulge her love of travel with her husband John and they took many ocean and river-boat cruises all over the world.  She was an avid hiker, enjoyed crocheting and cross-stitch and loved to read and watch movies. Most of all, she loved her family, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will take place at Arcadia City Church, 3313 N 40th St, Phoenix, on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm, followed by a potluck gathering to honor and remember Helen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Helen’s memory.