Mary Helen Keeling

Mary Helen Keeling, 93 of Morgantown, Indiana passed away on Tuesday morning, April 9, 2024 at her residence.

 

Mary was born on April 7, 1931 in Kokomo, Indiana, a daughter of the late James Kenneth and Thelma (Hawkins) Fisher.  She is preceded in death by her parents.

 

She is preceded in death by her husbands: James Lee Haddock, Morris “Pete” Stafford, Delmar Allison and Herb Keeling as well as two sisters: Barbara Rogers and Trudy Christy

 

She is survived by her children: son James (wife Kathleen) Haddock of Westfield, IN, daughter Marianna Fisher of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Terri Will of Houston, TX, daughter Pamela (husband Warren) Bevers of Morgantown, IN and son Michael (wife Melanie) Stafford of Nineveh, IN.

 

Stepson: Jeff (wife Mary) Keeling of Fort Wayne, IN, stepson: Kevin (wife Tammy) Keeling of New Haven, IN, stepdaughter Kathy (husband Scott) Stockwall of Sweetwater, TN, stepson: Larry (wife Carol) Allison of Paragon, IN and stepdaughter: Janet Foley of Indianapolis, IN

 

 

Her grandchildren: Tanner (wife Roxann) Irion of Phoenix, AZ, Kristi (husband Michael) Stewart of Estes Park, CO, Angela (husband David) Denn of New Braunfels, TX, Lauren (husband Keith) Hegger of Franklin, TN, Virinia Stafford of Greensburg, IN and Garrett Stafford of Nineveh, IN.

 

Mary’s great grandchildren: Lilie, Isla, Mathew, Luke, Evan, Jade, Joey, Liam, Jubilee, Cora, Charlotte and Emily.

 

She is also survived by several step grandchildren  and step great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mary possessed an aptitude for math that when combined with her strong work ethic opened many doors for her.  She held positions at Ft. Benjamin Harrison Finance Center, Westfield Public Schools, Riverview Hospital and Firestone Industrial Products Company before ultimately working for Chrysler Corporation as Paymaster until she retired in 1987.  

Even as a full-time employee, Mary was a devoted mother to her children.  She worked hard to secure their wellbeing.  It wasn’t easy, but she did it.

After retirement, Mary had the time to engage in activities and hobbies that she truly enjoyed.  She loved her church family, took joy in teaching children in her Sunday school class and sharing her faith.  She was an avid bowler and a member of a winter bowling league for many years.  She created award-winning pieces of needlework and gifted many of them to others.   She also excelled at sewing and spent many hours creating unique dolls and doll clothes, garments for children, drapes and reupholstering furniture.

Her favorite sport was basketball and she always had a soft spot for the Pacers.  She collected eagles and she could spot one in a store as soon as she walked in.   In her later years, she tirelessly worked puzzles… 1,000 pieces, please.  

From a young age, she embraced the value of friendships and maintained close friends throughout her life.  

We will forever miss her sweet and generous nature. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East Funeral Center, located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229.

The funeral service for Mary will begin at 2:00 PM.

Burial will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery where Mary will be laid to rest with her late husband Delmar C. Allison.