Keith, Jeannine 1931-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
Jeannine Watson Keith of St. Joseph, entered eternal life on Dec. 24, 2024, at age 93, with her loving daughters by her side. She had been a resident of Vintage Gardens for several months while in declining health.
Jeannine was born on July 21, 1931 in Lucerne, Missouri. She was the oldest child of Raymond and Rachel Watson and was raised on the family farm west of Lucerne. She attended school in Lucerne and graduated Valedictorian of her High School class. Jeannine went to NE MO State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, now Truman University, graduating May 22, 1952, with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with emphasis in Home Economics.
Jeannine married the love of her life, Warren E. Keith, at the Lucerne Methodist Church on Dec. 23, 1951. To this union were born three children: Warren Thomas Keith, Joyce Ann (Keith) Fowler, and Janice Lynn Keith. They first lived in California where Warren was in the Navy. Then Harris, Missoui, Lucerne, and then later moved to St Joseph, following their career paths.
Jeannine was a dedicated teacher for 31 years having taught in Princeton, Missouir, Unionville, Missouri, West Putnam R-III Lucerne, and Truman Middle School in St Joseph. After retiring, she was hired as a six-week data-entry temp at American Family Insurance, but stayed employed there 14 more years. Those working days and friendships helped her cope following the time of losing her beloved husband Warren of 42 years.
Jeannine was a member of the Ashland United Methodist Church and shared her faith by singing in the Chancel Choir for many years. She was a member of PEO Chapter FL for 42 years and past president. She was a member of DAR, MWSU Ambassadors, and a 25 year member of The Runcie Club, all in St Joseph. Jeannine was also a longtime member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association enjoying their luncheons and speakers. For many years in retirement, Jeannine enjoyed playing bridge and Mah-jongg with dear friends. She was also an avid reader and mastered many crossword puzzles.
Jeannine lived a gracious and exemplary life characterized by love, guidance, patience and poise. Most of all she was a lady. Jeannine was the epitome of a talented homemaker, decorator, seamstress, and an amazing cook with picture perfect desserts. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was adored by her family and all her grand-blessings affectionately called her Nana. Her legacy is that she truly lived grace-laced seasons even into the autumn of her long and blessed life. The highlights of her days were visits from her granddaughters and their precious children. “She was ours and we were hers. With goodness, light and grace she made her home a whole world of love. She will be loved and remembered for the blessing she was and how she loved us.”
Jeannine was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Warren, who passed away on Feb. 25, 1996. Her son, Warren Thomas Keith, passed on Sept. 14, 2020. Also preceding her were her parents; her in-laws, Norris and Lolita Keith; her brother, Tommy Watson; and sister, Jeanette Noland; as well as nephew, Terry Noland; and niece, Teresa Noland.
Jeannine’s passing leaves a void only a very close-knit family can know. Survivors left to cherish her life and honor her memory are: Her two loving daughters, Joyce Fowler (Kevin), of St Joseph and Janice Keith (Scott Starnes) of Savannah, Missouri; four granddaughters and their spouses; Lindsay Evans (Shadow), Ashley Limle (Austin) all of St Joseph, Lauren Van Zant (Levi) and Katelyn Keith all of Platte City, Missouri; five beautiful great-grandchildren: Cash Evans, Crue Evans, Rook Limle, Royce Limle and Henry Thomas Van Zant; Also niece Julie Noland (Garry) of Blue Springs, Missouri; and she leaves many wonderful friends, co-workers, neighbors and former students.
Services for Jeannine will be under the direction of Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation thirty minutes prior beginning at 10:30 a.m. Kevin Collins will conduct the service. Jeannine’s audio musical selections are: You’ll Never Walk Alone sung by Tom Netherton and The Lord’s Prayer sung by Josh Groban.
Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery, Lucerne.
Memorials in Jeannine’s honor may be made to the Lucerne Cemetery in care of Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th Street, Unionville, MO 63565.
There will be a Memorial Book for St Joseph friends that with to sign in remembrance at Meierhoffer Funeral Home at 5005 Frederick Blvd., St Joseph. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
