Cathy Jo Keys

Mrs. Cathy Jo (Snodgrass) Keys, 71, of Willow Hill, IL, died Wednesday May 22, 2024 at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL with her loving husband, daughter, and son-in-law by her side. Cathy was born January 28, 1953, to George and Sharon Snodgrass. On April 24, 1971, she married the love of her life, Estell Keys, who survives. The couple were happily married for 53 years.
Cathy was a devoted wife and mother and took great pride in providing a happy, loving, and nurturing home to her husband and daughter. In addition, Cathy and Estell opened their home and hearts to foster children throughout the mid 1980's. Following the high school graduation of her daughter, Cathy returned to work and then retired from the Hershey Chocolate Plant in Robinson, IL in February of 2008.
Cathy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oblong; she enjoyed reading scripture and Christian books. Cathy was a history enthusiast and found the lives and legacies led and left by John F Kennedy and Princess Diana to be the most captivating. You could also find her playing hidden object games on her laptop. Her favorite by far was "Ravenhurst". Cathy was a kindhearted woman whose smile would brighten any room. She doted on her family, including the many dogs she and Estell raised while owning their dog kennel. Her favorite breed was the Shih Tzu. Another animal Cathy adored was giraffes. She enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Cathy was also a movie buff, owning hundreds of VHS cassettes and DVDs throughout the years. Her favorite movie, by far, was "Wyatt Earp." Her most cherished pastime, however, was listening to music. One of her favorite and most coveted possessions was her in-home jukebox, which she played throughout most days and evenings. While she loved almost all music, artists Elton John, Rod Stewart, Elvis and Vince Gill held a special place in her heart. Prior to her illness, Cathy and Estell traveled around the country and parts of the world, but no matter where they went, one thing was guaranteed; Cathy would be toting at least 50 CD's, burned with her all-time favorite road trip tunes.
Survivors include Cathy's mother, Sharon Snodgrass (New Franklin, MO), her husband Estell Keys (Willow Hill, IL), daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Ron Houser (New Hebron, IL), grandson and granddaughter-in-law Bruce and Abbigail Williams (Robinson, IL), great-grandson Auron Williams, sister and brother-in-law Crystal and Bob Persinger (Columbia, MO), and brother Tim Snodgrass (New Franklin, MO). Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Cathy is preceded in death by her infant son, Larry Eugene Keys, her granddaughter, Paige Nicole Williams, and her father, George Snodgrass.
A celebration of Cathy's life will be held on Saturday May 25, 2024 at Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong. The visitation will take place from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM with the celebration service to follow. Cathy requested all in attendance to dress casually and invites everyone to sport their St. Louis Cardinals attire. Interment will be at Mound Cemetery in Willow Hill, IL following the service. Memorial donations in Cathy's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society or to Oblong Children's Christian Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Memorial donations may also be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home at P.O. Box 121 Oblong, IL 62449.