Miriam Grace Keebaugh

Miriam Grace Keebaugh, 81, a long-time resident of Overly Meadows, McConnellsburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 8.

Ms. Keebaugh, who was a long-time advocate for children and others through her volunteer efforts, touched countless lives with warmth, zeal and enthusiasm. Her kindness and forward-thinking mentality helped her to raise a daughter, Deborah, of Carmichaels, PA, who survives. She unselfishly and courageously raised her only two grandchildren, Elizabeth Homistek of McConnellsburg, PA and Tiffany O'Neill of Merion, PA from the young girls' preschool years. She is also survived by four adoring great-grand children: Cody Homistek (23), Miami, FL, Hunter Homistek (20), Morgantown, WV, and Phillip (9) and Jeffrey (7) O'Neill of Merion, PA. She was the devoted oldest sister to Nancy Henry of Wells Tannery, PA, Francis Mellott of Hustontown, PA and Lois Clark of Hustontown, PA and Sarasota, FL. A loyal and loving spouse, she is preceded in death by her husband, Warren Keebaugh, in 2001.

Before the adoption of her granddaughters, Ms. Keebaugh spent many years as a master seamstress in Masontown, PA. She then became Manager of Carmichaels Golf Club and helped to establish it as a highlight destination for southwestern Pennsylvania golfers until her retirement in 1996.

Ms. Keebaugh was an avid gardner and supporter of environmental efforts. The family requests that those who would like to, to please plant an annual or tree in her memory in lieu of flowers. And/or, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following organizations which were important to her during her life: Tom Ridge Environmental Center, www.trecpi.org; The Arbor Day Foundation's "Trees in Memory" program, www.arborday.org; Fulton County Medical Center Foundation, www.fcmcpa.org/foundation.

To celebrate her life, a private memorial service will be held in March, in McConnellsburg, PA.