Lynne KEENAN

February 6, 1945 - February 20, 2024

Colbert - Lynne Marie Keenan, age 79, of Spokane, WA, passed away on the morning of February 20, 2024. Lynne was born February 6, 1945, in Spokane, WA.

Survived by husband, James "Jim" Keenan, after 58 years of marriage; sons, Joshua and Jeremy; granddaughters, Mallory and Karina; nieces, Alicia Wood (Doug), Jill Manly, Erin French (Brian), Nonie Spivac (Eric), and Sandra Wallingford.

Lynne was preceded in death by her loving parents, John and Betty McCaughan; and sisters, Sandra Bohrer (Gayle) and Barbara Manly (Rick).

Lynne attended Shadle Park High School - class of 1963. Then she went on to Stephens College (Columbia, MO), and then got her teaching certificate from Whitworth College (Spokane, WA) graduating in just three years.

Lynne met Jim, who she really did not like at first, at a slab-dance at the Shadle HS Tennis courts. Jim says she had a distinctive hairstyle that set her apart from all of the other girls.

Jim and Lynne were secretly married in 1966. They waited nine months before telling anyone! Jim and Lynne got their marriage license in Wallace, ID, and were married in Coeur D'Alene to avoid being discovered by family and friends. Jim's nickname for her was "Lynn-E-kins."

At one point, Lynne's father, John, jokingly offered Jim $300 to skip a formal ceremony and elope. Jim agreed and thought it was a great idea. Later, after they confessed to everyone that they were secretly married, Jim spoke to John and took the money! They finally had their wedding reception at the Ridpath Hotel rooftop room. Following the ceremony, they told everyone that she 'needed some dental work' and had waited to announce their marriage.

Jim and Lynne were in no hurry and waited five years to have children and start a family.

Lynne taught 2nd grade for six years and was well known for her hair! She was always recognized by her former students from Pasadena Park Elementary School. Lynne quit teaching in 1971 to focus on raising her own children. She continued as a substitute teacher in the Mead School District for another 10 years later in life.

Lynne was proud to work as a teacher and help provide for her family. The money Lynne made was used to pay for the college tuition for both of her sons at Western Washington University.

Lynne and Jim enjoyed their vacations to Hawaii (particularly the Kona coast), Australia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Africa. In Africa, she sat in the jeep while Jim scouted for 'big game' with the hunting guides. Later she came to believe that she was left in the Jeep to be the bait for Lions!

Lynne was always eager to talk to family and spent lots of time calling to stay in touch with all of her relatives. Besides her family, Lynne's favorite things were her four miniature poodles, all named Fang. She loved Pepsi, chocolate, cooking, travel, jewelry, artwork, Domini's Sandwiches, and PI Pizza.

Lynne's time at Priest Lake with family and friends were most cherished. Lynne loved stories about fairies and created a world in the forest at Priest Lake for her grandchildren, their friends, and many other children. The kids would leave notes for the fairies to which Lynne would reply to. There were dozens of fairy houses and 'sightings' of her little winged friends.

Lynne endured a difficult three-year battle with Dementia. After only a few days at a Dementia facility, she suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully on February 20.

A well attended memorial service was held at the family home in Colbert, WA.