Keith D. Keys

Keith D. Keys, age 83, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at his home in Elsmere, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sandhills Community Church in Dunning, Nebraska with Pastor Lee Wonch officiating. Burial will be in the Purdum Cemetery with military honors. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 19; 3 to 6 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Sandhills Community Church. Keith D. Keys was born October 19, 1928, at home to Laurence and Roxy (Body) Keys. He attended Pleasant Hill School until 2nd grade and then North Elsmere until 8th grade. High School consisted of two years at Purdum and then two years at Ainsworth, graduating in 1945 at the age of 16. After graduation he returned home to the family ranch at Elsmere. On June 3rd 1951 he married Bonnie Giles. They began building their house soon after they were married and finished in the spring of 1954 in time to board it up and move to New Jersey for his two year service in the Army. On their return to the ranch he immediately became involved in the construction of the new road and telephone line. Keith was also actively involved in his community by serving on the local Fire Board, School Board, 4-H Council, Extension Board, and as a 4-H Leader. Being a good steward of the land, Keith was actively involved in range management and soil conservation. At age 40 he made the most important decision of his life realizing his need for a Savior and trusting by faith that Jesus Christ was that Savior. He faithfully served his church in the roles of Trustee and Deacon as well as by his committed attendance. Keith is survived by his son, Kerry (Anita) Keys of Elsmere, and daughter, Michelle (Ken) Staeck of Ohatchee, Alabama, four grandchildren, Stacey Keys of Wayne, Amanda Keys of Elsmere, Aspen and Cody Staeck of Ohatchee, Alabama. He is also survived by brother, Ted (Marlea) Keys of Elsmere, brothers-in-law, Joe Giles of Ainsworth, Charles (Ina Jean) Giles of Broken Bow, sisters-in-law, Ruth Sullivan of Broken Bow, and Mary Lou Giles of Ainsworth. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie (Giles); sister, Bonnie (Keys) Giles, one nephew, and infant son, Brian Keith.