Alma Keyser-Schaefer

Alma Keyser-Schaefer
Alma Keyser-Schaefer of Midland, died with family by her side on January 30, 2025. Alma Lee Puterbaugh was born on September 6, 1929; one of three children of Allen and Elsie (Osborne) Puterbaugh.
Although Alma was born in Louisville, KY, she grew up mostly in Leitchfield, KY. As she grew up, her family moved several times and she graduated high school in Big Rapids, MI. She received her bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and her Master's Degree from University of Michigan. Alma taught at Eastlawn Elementary school in the early 1950's and then at Carpenter and Mills Elementary Schools in the 1970's and early 80's.
Alma married Dale Keyser on August 20, 1955, and they enjoyed 45 years of a very happy marriage. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2000. She later married Joseph Schaefer, her former college boyfriend, in June of 2002, and they spent time living in both Midland and Hemet, California over their married time together. He also preceded her in death on March 10, 2018.
Alma was a member of Midland First United Methodist Church for 70 years, helping in bible studies and other church events. She enjoyed playing the piano, bird watching, and travelling including memorable trips across the country with her kids in the travel trailer. In the seventies, Alma and Dale took on the project of building a cottage on Lake George which quickly became a much-loved gathering place for family where many precious memories have been and will continue to be created. Alma enjoyed volunteering her time with the Midland MI Civitan Club and the Literacy Council where she taught adults to read. As her own mother aged and eventually needed care, she volunteered at the Kings Daughters' including running their Christmas Closet and helping organize celebrations. She will be remembered by her outpouring love to family and friends and her love of sharing stories of her life.
Alma is survived by her sons, Dale Keyser (Patti), Richard Keyser (Lisa), and David Keyser (Laurie); her grandchildren, James Keyser (Connie), Christopher Keyser (Michelle), William Keyser (Alyssa), Ryan Keyser (Chelsea), Aric Keyser (Miranda), Richard Jr. Keyser (Lisa), Seth Keyser (Nina), Holly Machado (Jordan), Jeffrey Keyser (Shelley), Kayla Buboltz (Scott), and Courtney Keyser; 17 great-grandchildren; her California step-children, Mark Schaefer (Corrie), Karl Schaefer (Racelle), and Frank Schaefer; her step-grandchildren, Alex Schaefer, Robert Schaefer, David Schaefer, and Daniel Schaefer.
Besides her two husbands and parents, Alma was preceded in death by her baby twin sister, Anna Ree Puterbaugh, and brother, Charles Puterbaugh.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Midland First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin St., Midland, MI 48640. Family will greet guest on Tuesday, February 4, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland, and on Wednesday, February 5, one hour prior to the start of the funeral service at church.
Those wishing to donate in Alma's name, may consider the First United Methodist Church or Midland MI Civitan Club.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Keyser-Schaefer family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.