Emily Maureen Ellen Keyes

I still think highly of you Emily, I will forever love you, you changed my life and made me a better person

I LOVE YOU,R.I.P

Emily, you are the sunshine in my life, 13 years ago, you were taken from everyone who loved you, I just wish I could have been there for you, I will always and forever love you

Emily, 12 years ago, you woke up for school just like any other day, you never expected to have your young life end, it broke so many hearts including mine, You had a gift to change other's lives, you will always be the first girl I truly loved, I love you Emily!

Im a grown man father of 4 girls. I bawled. I cant imagine your pain. She was a brave girl, who touched my heart in Maui.

Dear Keyes Family,
I am so sorry.

Dear Keyes family,
I am sorry for your loss. Her words "I love U guys" are touching. She is with God. God bless her and her family.

Dear Keyes Family,
I am so very very sorry for your loss. I never met your Emily, but I cried when I heard about what happened. I will be praying for all of you and that you can find some comfort. God has gained another beautiful angel in heaven.
God Bless

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Dear Keyes family,

I felt for your family the first time I heard of the horror you were going through and then felt it unbelievably when your story was on Dateline. The reason I felt so much sorrow for you was because our daughter passed away a year ago Oct. 11. My daugher and my neice have also signed this guest book and it took me this long to do the same. Though our daughters both died in very different ways, there are so, so many similarities. Both our daughers were named Emily, both enjoyed volleyball, both were airlifted, I myself was at the accident scene of my daugher like your Emily's father was, both our girls had the same favorite color and we too received overwhelming support from all over this country... but the thing that really got me was the ache for your son. Our daughter Sarah and our Emily were 22 months apart and were the best of friends, riding to school together everyday, supporting each other in each others interest and sporting events. They were always talking and laughing together and they could be found in the late nights talking or watching movies both in the same bed even though they had separate rooms. I feel for your son, Emily's brother, as I have seen the devastation and loneliness that has happpened to our Sarah. God is helping her through but it has been a battle for her as she misses her "other-part" so much. Just as your son misses his sister. We traveled through your area in July of 2005 as our Emily played in the Junior Olympic Championships in Utah with her National Volleyball team. We have just went through the first anniversary since our Em went to be with our Lord and there were pink flowers, pink ribbons, pink balloons, pink candles at the cementary...so much support and care even after a years time. I write all this to reach out to you as there have been a few people who did the same for us.....people that REALLY did understand. People that unfortunately "GOT IT" due to their suffering as well. The hurt remains and is always intense but we try to carry on the best we can and have done much in our community to keep Emily's memory alive through a scholarship established in her honor and in her name. If you are interested in seeing the similarities in our Emily's you can learn more about our Emily (Emily Duits) on this website and maybe you too will feel like the two of them are sure to be friends now. The legacy site has remained active for over a year now and soon will come to a close. We have put photos on the "photo album" part also. I say all this because I believe our daughters had much in common with their time here on earth and would be fast friends in heaven as well. As devastating as our losses are it does bring comfort knowing that Em is in heaven and I'm sure making new friends in the absence of her family and friends left here. If by chance we ever meet or you would like to contact us, I would welcome that. If not, know that our thoughts are with you from one set of grieving parents to another, and that your son is also kept close to our thoughts. We wish for brighter days for you knowing that its a long road but... our children will be cheering us on.

I was blessed to have had a few brief moments with Emily..I will always carry her bright smile in my heart.You and your family will always be in my thoughts..Be strong and carry on for Emily...Never forget her words "I LOVE YOU GUYS!!"

Iam so sad about what happened to Emily Keyes, she was way to young and to kind to go out that way.
I have a picture of Emily on my picture wall and I look at it every day, she had a really beautiful smile. I often cry when I read the articals about her or see her picture and it's a shame everyone is not like her; kind, selfless, and outgoing. The world has lost a gifted angel. May Emily Keyes rest in peace.

Keyes family~
You dont know me, and I dont know you. But when I heard about your story, my heart broke. One year ago today I lost my sister in a car accident when she was 16, so I know exactly how you are feeling. I wish I could say something to comfort you, but I know from experience that nothing people can say takes the pain away. While I do not agree with people when they say "time makes everything much better", I can tell you that time changes the pain. Even though it has only been a year since my sister passed, and the ache is still there every day, it is a much different kind of pain, and it does get at least a little bit better. I heard that she was able to send one last message to you all, saying "I love you." Hold on to that. My sister was able to tell my family that she loved us before she died, and that has helped us sooo much! Even though I didnt know Emily, Im sure she was an amazing girl, and Im happy that maybe my sister, Emily, made a new friend in heaven. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love~
Sarah

Ellen
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you speaking of Emily to me when my twins were little. You and your family are in our prayers.

I did not die

Do not stand on my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am a gentle Autumns rain
When you awaken in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
I am the birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
So do not stand on my grave and cry
I am not there.... I did not die

I am so sorry about your daughter. While the news was saying that one girl was shot i prayed that whom ever the family of this poor girl, would recieve Gods blessing more now than ever.

Dear Family and Friends of Emily,

Words cannot express my sorrow for oyur loss of your ANGEL Emily. Emily was a strong person to go thru what she went through. God is with her now. Be strong for her and help others whom will need to be healed. On October 26, 1998, I lost my 15 year old neice (Meghan)in a terrible accident involving crossing the street when an oncoming ambulance struck and killed her. We were all angry as well as devasted.God needed another Angel and he chose Meghan to fullfill his kingdom. Our lives have never been the same. Meghan is now an ANGEL. We must move on for the other children around us and give them the strength to carry on. Time will heal you and others around you. But time is all there is. Some day we will ALL meet again.Til then , be strong. Emily, will always be in our hearts and prayers. Emily will be added to my prayer list. May god always watch over you.May Emily SLEEP IN PEACE..

To the Keyes, I am so sorry for the loss of Emily as a parent of a 1st and 2nd grader it terrifies me when they go to school. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts everyday. God Bless you.

I just watched your story on Dateline and I want you to know how touched I was by your family. You have a beautiful daughter and I am so sorry for your loss. I was so impressed with the both of you. What a wonderful example you both are. The world would be a much better place if we all could react to tragedy as you and your town has. I know that you will see your daughter again someday, this is not the end. You have touched my life forever.

To emily keyers family, I am sorry for the loss of you beautiful emily. may god look over your family.I will keep on praying for you guys.And will keep emily in my heart forever. god bless you.

I herd the story about Emily on the Armed Forces Network over here in Iraq. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss and will pray for Emily. I pray that you find some comfort in your time of grief.

To the Keyes family,
I am so sorry that you lost your daughter in this tragic way. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You

To the Keyes family and friends, my heart aches everyday since this tragic event happen to your beautiful daughter Emily. I have a daughter the same age as Emily and I know how precious she is to you. Know that the entire world grieves with you and for you, when such a senseless tragic like this happens not only does it take a toll on the family but as well to the world, may god touch your heart and soul as I know Emily is with him and only wants to see you once again be filled with beautiful memories and smiles, may you know that the world is praying for you all. The Cross Family Buckley Wa.

To the Keyes Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you. May GOD heal your pain you are going through.

Emily's spirit has touched me in ways I can't describe or express. In Emily's honor, I make sure I do a random act of kindness every day.

To the Keyes family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. In a way I know what you all are going through. Last oct.5 my cousin, Emily Jo, was in a car accident and then died on the 11th. She was only two years older than me. It has been almost one year since that day and it is still hard for me. I know that it is very tough to lose someone that you love that much. I will be praying for you all constantly and I hope things get better soon.

May God Bless You

God Bless You

My heart goes out to your family. I didn't know Emily, but I'm sure she was wonderful person. I am deeply sorry for the loss you have had to suffer. God Bless you.

To the Keyes Family,
I am sorry for your loss of your daugther. I will pray for you guys. May god be with you.

To Keyes family,
Unfortunately I have never got a chance to actually meet Emily or any of you, but at least I got a chance to share my thoughts and prayers with you which I am so happy to do. I am deeply sorry by this senseless tragedy. Parents are not supposed to see their children die especially at such young age. This world is not perfect but your beautiful, kind and wonderful daughter Emily is now in a much safer, brighter, and a perfect place where there is nothing but love and God. Even if she is not here physically, she is still here spiritually and will always be! May she rest in peace! We will never forget what she bought to this world. It will always stay in our hearts! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your friends and everyone directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy!

From all of us here in Vermont, to Bailey, and the Keyes family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Life is a precious and fragile gift. We are reminded at times like this. My thoughts are with all of you.

Ellen, my heart goes out to you and your family. I will never know your pain but I am with you in grief. God Bless you and yours.

You and your family are in my prayers. God Bless

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

My heartfelt sympathy for your entire family.The greatest thing about being human is the tremendous love we are capable of feeling for each other.The worst thing is our pain at losing a loved one and it all seems so much worse when the loved one is so young.Keep loving each other.Especially,Casey.It will get you through the sadness in time.

You have my sympathy and prayers. I'm sorry that you had to suffer such an ordeal.

Sorry for your loss
Ric

I am so sorry for your loss. My son is an Army Ranger and I live in fear...however you will always be in our hearts and prayers as will your daughter. Jennifer, Jeff and Jack...the wonder dog...Jake is the Army Ranger and my brother Rob Fishback.

Our thoughts & prayers are with the keyes family. May god bless all of the people of bailey colorado. Emily will be forever in the hearts of all.

having just experience the Dawson shooting, it saddens me to know that another innocent girl has been taken. May you be comforted by ur memories and know that she is safe in God's hands.

I as many people across the country am so saddened and deeply touched by this story and the loss of this child. May God's unending and never dying love be of some comfort to you in this horrible time. God Bless! Jenny

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Our 17-year-old son died May 2003, but his beautiful spirit lives on as we believe Emily's will too. God IS with you.

Please know that the nation not only was touched by the tragedy of this but by the legacy that Emily left of her kindness to others. It's wonderful to see she was as beautiful inside as she was outside. I have a daughter with a birthday of Sept. 12th and a son born in 1990. As a parent, I know you're facing the unimaginable. We all lean on God and search for understanding and comfort in these times. May God Bless you both and your son. Please know that people are continuing to pray for your family and your community and the healing of all our schools.
The Ferrill Family

My prayers go out to you and your family. Please know that Emily is always with you, no matter where you are, forever. God Bless.

Our hearts ache for those affected by the Platte Canyon tragedy. We lived in the community during construction of the Roberts tunnel(1959-1962). You have our deepest sympathy.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Keys family. We will keep the family in our prayers.

Colorado`s heart is broken we lost a sweet little girl, GOD gained a perfect angel Did not even know her but who could not love her, Emily will be in our hearts and daily prayers. My condolences go out to the Keyes

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My heart and prayers go out to your family. I lived in Colorado for 30 years, and I still consider it my home, so when something like this happens I feel like you are my family. When I was explaining to my daughter what happened your sweet girl, she said to me, "Mommy, can Grandma (my mother who has been gone for 14 years) take care of her in heaven, I am sure she will make sure that she is loved." So with that, we prayed to my Mother in heaven to watch over your daughter. May God be with you in this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Know that you have many tears, thoughts and prayers coming from Wisconsin. We are so sorry for the loss of Emily. God Bless you all.

I have recently returned to colorado from my home town Essex Junction, Vermont. Were I spent time with my friends, family and neighbors trying to make sence of the school shooting that took the life of and injured our neighbors, friends, mother's, wife and community members. Please know that there is a very understanding and empathetic community across the country that have the Keyes family and friends in their hearts.

To the Keyes Family:My hearfelt condolences goes out to all of you,parents,twin brother,& grandparents & to the community of Bailey.I didn't know Emily but my niece Chelsea did.Emily was her assistant volleyball coach.She was a smart,kind & beautiful girl.May the sweet memories of her sustain you at this difficult time.My mother recently became an angel too. We will never forget Emily. May God bless all of you.

I am so sorry about your lose.
you and your family you are in my prayers
God Bless You

Fallon (Evergreen CO)

I am truely sorry for your loss. My prayars are with you and yours. God Bless.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

God Bless you all during this difficult time. I to know the pain of losing a twin. I lost my twin in Littleton in May of 2000. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

There are no words that can express the pain and sorrow you have right now, but know that Emily is with our Lord and an ANGEL watching from above. Casey just remember you have a special star and angel watching you and loving you from a near as your sister Emily will always be in your heart. May God Bless the Keyes family and know you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Though I never knew your beautiful daughter she is just one more angel and star shining brightly above.

What a horrible loss of a bright, beautiful young woman. My condolences to the Keyes family.

As i sat in my office tonight, reading this story all the way from Colorado, i just cried and prayed for your family, for the students, and for the community. I have no idea who you are or for that matter anyone from Colorado, but i wanted to tell you that i am very sorry for your loss, but i know that God has you all in the palm of His hands. It breaks my heart to read the article and to see what that young gal may have went through and the others, but God did have it in his perfect timing to provide that phone with her so she could tell you she loved you. Now she is walking in the land flowing with milk and honey, holding hands with our Savior. You will be sad for days, years to come, but God will help you overcome that, while you remember the joys, laughs, smiles, and love that you had with your daughter.
I will continue to pray for you all and your loss. Remember that there are people all over this country praying for you. It is amazing how people actually do love each other. May God bless you and put his loving arms around you always. This is one of my favorite verses that i would like to share with you: Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

May your family find peace in knowing you are in God's Hands and an angel sent to heaven. From someone who knows someone who knows you.

To the keyes family,
my deepest sympathies to you in this time, no words can make you feel better just know you, your daughter and everyone who hurts for emilie are in my heart and its always hard to see someone my own age lost. if anything is needed please email me
Sean

Dear Keyes family; My thoughts and prayers are with you. Though I don't know you, my heart aches for you and for the beautiful young life that was cut so tragically and senselessly short. They say "every picture tells a story", and one look at the photo of your beautiful Emily tells me she was no doubt an extraordinary young woman who left all she meet with a smile and an enduring impression. Surely similar thoughts are echoed by thousands upon thousands across the country and around the world that may never have the opportunity to share with you like we are here and elsewhere. I will think of Emily daily and draw inspiration from her life and her smile. What she was here on earth, she is that and so much more in Heaven at this very moment. Your lose is Heavens gain. May the presence and grace of God be with you and revealed to each of you moment by moment in ways never imagined.

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for
those who love Him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

I am so saddened by the loss of your beautiful girl, may god bless all the family and friends. The Conner family

I am so sorry for you and yours. In my prayers.

I am very sad about that a young life had been lost it looks like you were a wonderful person, but one thing u will never forget by all the people who love you I did not know u before but it makes me sad when this things happens, but i am sure u are in a best place now.
R.I.P Emily Keyes

My heartfelt condolences to the Keyes Family. I am so sorry for your pain. The nation mourns with you. We shall never forget your beloved Emily. God's peace be with you.

As one parent to another, I can't possibly begin to understand the sorrow your family is feeling, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. We did not know Emily but, she sounds like a very strong young lady and independent. Please know that heaven is a much better place with her there.

Dear Keyes Family,

Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Emily, if she had the spirit of her grandparents, John and Erika, she was a gem. John and Erika have enriched our community with their presence. Our prayers are with your entire family. If we could be of any assistance during this time and the time to come, please feel free to lean on us.

To The Keyes Family,
May the thoughts and prayers of the entire nation bring you strength. May your loving memories bring you comfort.

you are in my paryers i am very sorry for ur loss.

you are in my paryers i am very sorry for ur loss.

Your family, your community and your school are in our prayers. May Emily Rest in Peace. She will never be forgotten in our little piece of Texas!!!

The Gerner Family

Emily is in our thoughts and prayers. We would like to express our sympathy and best wishes to her family and friends.

TO THE KEYS FAMILY I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW EMILY OR YOUR FAMILY.... MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME....

Another stranger sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Keyes family.

My sincerest condolences, my heart goes out to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless

~~~~~~~Sweet Angel Emily~~~~~~~~~

Sweet angel Emily who now flies above;
safely wrapped in God's heavenly love.

The path to heaven has come too soon;
you're our shining star, our heavenly moon.

Your loss on earth will be hard to bear;
but we know one day we'll rejoin you there.

No fear, no pain can ever come your way;
only us here on earth will grieve today.

Sweet angel Emily, we want you to know;
that you will have our love for ever so.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Written with love by,
©2006 Jill Marie Hoel

My thoughts and prayer are with the family.Please know that the whole nation is praying for all of you

Your daughter's tragic death deeply saddens me. As a teacher, I fear for the mental health of all our youth today who must deal with these awful realities in their lives. You are in my prayers. May the Lord's presence sustain you.

We are so sorry that your beautiful daughter was taken away from you at such a young age. Our hearts are breaking for your family and friends. May the God give you all His strenght for the days and weeks ahead. We shall keep you and Emily in our prayers.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

My heart cries for you all. What a beautiful gift Emily was to the world. We never knew her, but the sight of her face, I know, could brighten a day. She will be missed by so many, but never forgotten. We will remember Emily as we do random acts of kindness for others. In that way, and so many others, she will live on in so many. God bless you all.

Tracy Schmitt and family

Just to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow! Hugs and oodles of prayers !
Love
Mike and Mary Slade

The Keyes Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Time heals the wounds but never takes away the pain.

God Bless you all.

We were so shocked to hear the news about Emily, John Michael, Ellen, Cassey Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow, Our deepest sympathy, I was looking at some old pictures of the kids when we lived across the street, and just can't believe it! Jamie was very sad to hear the news, as we all were. Take Care God bless and keep you all safe.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although I never met Emily, from what I've heard, I believe she was as beautiful inside as she was on the outside. May God be with you.

Dear Keyes Family:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you during this sad and difficult time. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you and yours. Peace be with you.

What a wonderful idea to offer random acts of kindness in your beautiful daughter's name. I will, and I will pray for you in the days ahead.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family we will miss Emily. take are .

Our deepest condolences to the Keyes family. The nation prays for you. We are so sorry and touched so deeply. Love to you and may you find peace and healing.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart just breaks for you all and for Emily. I could not even imagine. No words can express how deep my sorrow is. Lean on the Lord, He is with you and Emily with Him. Not only do I grieve as a parent, I grieve as a twin. There is a bond like no other between twins. May God Bless you and sustain you.

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and may the Lord be with you through this tragedy. My deepest sympathies.

I don't know you, but I just wanted to say I am so sad and so sorry for what Emily had to go through.

Your family is in my thoughts.

The Keyes Family,
No words can help or bring comfort at this time. Just know people are thinking of you and praying for you. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through at this moment. I only know how I would feel if I lost my child. May God help you through your time of loss and bring peace to your family.

Dear John and Ellen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss.
Love, Jim, Lora and family