Lois Jeanne Keyes

On Friday, December 19, 2025, Lois Jeanne Keyes was released from the grasp of dementia and passed away peacefully surrounded by her sons. Lois was born November 23, 1931 to Ivan and Ruth (Helms) Smith in Covington, Indiana. She grew up among her brothers and younger sister in a family that loved to fish. After graduation from Covington High School in 1949, she went to work at the Grubb Minneapolis Moline Store. Eventually, she caught the eye of a handsome young man who was living across the field from her family. She and Budgie Keyes began dating, married on May 6, 1953, and promptly moved to Alaska where Budgie was stationed in the Army. After a few years in Alaska, they returned to Montgomery County where she and Budgie started their family and began their lives as farmers.

While she spent most of those years as a loving mother and help-mate to her husband, she also worked as a cook at North Montgomery High School. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and growing beautiful flowers. She was a member of several clubs, such as the Tuesday Morning Group and the 4M's. In her later years, she worked at County Market in Crawfordsville as a "sample lady." Here, she delighted in interacting with customers who enjoyed her delicious recipes. After her retirement, she continued her hobbies. She proudly grew luscious plants in her apartments, crocheted hats to be donated to cancer patients, and watched the antics of birds that flocked to the feeders outside her windows.

Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband, Budgie. The two were a formidable pair who made friends everywhere they went. They were beloved by their community and enjoyed many friendships over the years. Lois is survived by her devoted sons, Dennis (Kathy) and Gerald (Jill) Keyes. The "boys," as she continued to call them, took her on weekly trips to lunch (especially Cracker Barrel and Culver's) followed by long drives throughout the countryside where she could observe the progress of the crops. She doted on her four grandchildren, Jessica, Aaron, Matthew, and Adam, whom she spoiled with homemade chocolate chip cookies, noodles, and sourdough bread.

Lois's parents and her three brothers, Bob, Asa (Cork), and Loran, predeceased her. Her brother Carl and her sister Rhonda survive and were able to visit her last summer. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Janet (Jack) Rouse of Sharon, South Carolina.

During her last years, she resided at Whitlock Place in Crawfordsville and Glasswater Creek in Whitestown. At both places, she continued to make friends and enjoy the loving assistance. The family would like to thank the caregivers of these facilities and especially those at Carmel Health and Living who gently cared for Lois and comforted her in her final days. The family also deeply appreciates Linda Welshimer Clodjeaux, who visited Lois on Saturdays and gave her a weekly manicure.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. A celebration of Lois's life will follow from 3:oo PM With her family leading her service. Guests are encouraged to bring and share memories of Lois. Visit us online to sign the guest book or share a memory at www.familyandfriendsfh.com