Florence Keyse

1926 - 2014

Florence Keyse was born Oct. 1, 1926, to Priscilla and Mr. Frank in Nulato. She went in passing Nov. 1, 2014. Her parents passed at a young age and her grandma, Anna Stickman, raised her with several grandchildren, of which there were Poldine, Anna, Dorthy Sommer and Mary McLean.
Florence lived her younger life in Nulato and had a happy life with her grandma. She made it a point to visit Kaltag, where her dad was from. There were times when she went to Kaiyuh and spring camp with uncle Dan and Jessie Sipary, living the subsistence lifestyle where Florence performed at her best. These were memories Florence spoke of; it was a wonderful time and memory for her. She was scared of skinning the muskrats, a job she had to perform. There was another story of a nun that passed away in Holy Cross when Florence was at the mission. The nuns told the girls they had to say goodbye to the deceased sister who was in the parlor. Florence did not want to, but the girls from Nulato told her she had to. The sight made her faint, and the girls had to pick her up.
Florence had gone to school in Nulato and then on to Holy Cross Mission. When she became of age, she moved to Fairbanks and found the love of her life and married Willie Keyse. Her affection for him often could be heard when she called out "Wiiiilly." 
Florence had two children, Gerald and Cathy Keyse, of whom she was so proud. They were the joy of her life. She spoke of her grandchildren, Stephanie, Stacie and Shannon Sweet, with such fondness, and the love she had for them was visible in her eyes. For all of her nieces and nephews, so many to list, she always had a hug and a smile.
For years, Florence worked for the Chena View Hotel. In the war years, Florence would frequent the USO Club and enjoyed socializing and dancing, but more so, the support she gave to the solders and troops that visited there. She was an auxiliary for the American Legion and helped to organize Christmas parties for children and several other occasions.
She was Willie's sidekick down at his Barber Shop on Second Avenue and then, finally, at the Northward Building. She was a seamstress of Native regalia for many people, and the perfection she put into her work portrayed the pride she carried.
The staff at Denakkanaaga would say she was like a fixture in their meeting room and participated, with such laughter, in the teaching of her Native language and beadwork.
Florence walked with pride, dressed in style and presented herself with dignity. She was happy, smiling and compassionate toward all those she came in contact with.
Service will be held today, Nov. 6, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. There will be a potluck at 5 p.m. at the American Legion Post 11, located on First Avenue.