Barbara Ann Keetch

Barbara Ann Beesley Keetch, age 91, departed her physical body on Dec. 10, 2025, in Kingsland, Texas, where she had resided since July 3, 2025.
Barbara was born on Aug. 8, 1934, in Waco, Texas to Evie Lucille (Windham) Beesley and Milo K. Beesley. She graduated from Waco High School in 1952. The next year, Barbara met the love of her life, Farrar Nichols Keetch. They were married June 18, 1954, and enjoyed a long and happy marriage until Farrar's death on July 17, 2016.
In 1963, Barbara was baptized into Christ at South Waco Church of Christ. Barbara's faith was an important part of her life. In 1967, when she and her family moved to Temple, she joined the Western Hills Church of Christ and was an active member until poor health made it impossible to participate.
Barbara was a homemaker until 1974, when her oldest daughter, Janece, left for college and Barbara joined the workforce to pay the college tuition. She couldn't believe her luck to be hired as a case aid with Child Protective Services (CPS) in Belton. Barbara credits her success at that job to her first supervisor, Harolyn Moreau, who helped a very naïve and sheltered new employee make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. A highlight of Barbara's career was the role she played in starting the Bell County Rainbow Room, which provided clothing and other necessities for children in foster care. Barbara retired from CPS in 1994, after 20 years of service.
Besides the good memories, an added blessing from the years with CPS was the friendships she formed. The family extends special thanks to colleagues Lydia Rodriguez, Donna Weatherford, Peggiann Jones, Carol Jonas-Simons, and Jamie Love, who continued to visit with Barbara until her death.
After retirement from CPS, Barbara stayed busy with church activities and volunteering at the Love of Christ Food Pantry. She also served on the Bell County Child Welfare Board (1995-2008), the Central Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards, the Family Outreach Board and the Lakeaire Property Owners Assoc. Board.
Barbara also made time for fun in her later years. She and Farrar spent many hours entertaining at their retirement home on Lake Belton. Some of the best memories include teaching friends to water ski, throwing annual Marine Corps birthday parties, and spending time with their grandson, Jim, who was the light of both of their lives.
Barbara is survived by her daughters Janece Ann Rolfe (Paul) and Lisa Keetch Donnelly (Joe). She is also survived by three grandchildren; Jim Fischer Donnelly (Allison), Monica Rolfe and Natalie Garcia (Hector); two great-grandchildren, Fara Bird Donnelly and Holiday Motyl Donnelly; and niece and nephew, Angela Beesley Davis (Ken) and Michael Beesley (Susan).
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Farrar; her parents and brother, Milo K. Beesley.
The family extends appreciation to longtime neighbors John and Kathy Myrick for getting Barbara to church services after poor eyesight made it impossible to drive. Special thanks is also given to employees of Country Oaks Assisted Living in Burnet, Windchime at the Village in Kingsland, and Altus Hospice for the care they provided after Barbara could no longer live independently.
There will be a viewing at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home 14 W. Barton Ave., Temple from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday, Dec. 17. A service follows on the 18th at 11 AM at Western Hills Church of Christ, 210 N. General Bruce Dr., Temple. Interment is at 1 PM at Rosemound Cemetery, 3201 South 12th Street, Waco. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Barbara's memory may be made to Love of Christ Food Pantry, www.locfoodpantry.org or Arms of Hope children's home at www.armsofhope.org.
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.