Ruth Keel

1922 - 2020

Ruth Keel obituary, 1922-2020, Lawrence, KS

BORN

1922

DIED

2020

Ruth Keel Obituary

Ruth Louise Keel, née Schneider, age 97 years, of St. Louis, MO, died Friday, May 15, 2020, at Ascension Living Lansdowne Place nursing home where she had resided since November 2012. Ruth was born August 2, 1922, on a farm near Jefferson City, MO, the daughter of Oscar F. and Mattie (Connell) Schneider, both deceased. She was married on July 5, 1945, in Alexandria, LA, to Billy D. Keel, who preceded her in death. Five brothers also preceded her in death. Ruth graduated from Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, MO, attended the University of Missouri in Columbia and with the outbreak of World War II began working at the St. Louis Ordnance Plant making .30 and .50 caliber ammunition for the war effort. In 1944, she entered the US Army Nursing Corps as a cadet at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, graduating as an RN in 1947. She continued to work as a nurse at that hospital for nearly thirty years while raising a family, being promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Nursing (night) prior to her retirement in the late 1970s. Following retirement, she and her husband built a log home at "The Hickory Grove" on property purchased from the Schneider farm near Jefferson City, MO, and resided there for nearly 30 years. Survivors include two sons, William D. Keel and his wife, Nancy, of Lawrence, KS, and Robert O. (Rocky) Keel and his wife, Jane, of St. Louis, MO, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. A private memorial service is planned.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 19, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Keel

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

She was the most wonderful person you could ever imagine, beautiful inside and out. She worked as a nurse for decades, starting in the 1940s and cared so much for others. She was my aunt and the last one remaining of four children, including my dad -the baby-, raised on the family's Centennial Farm near Jefferson City. She will be missed.

Margaret

Family

May 19, 2020

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Ruth Keel's name

Memorial Events
for Ruth Keel

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ruth's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ruth Keel's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more