Esther Rebecca Keelean's Obituary
Esther passed away on September 11, 2020 at the age of 94. She was born as Esther Rebecca Allen on January 12, 1926 in Kings Mountain, South Carolina. Sometime during her childhood Esther moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina where she discovered her love of singing and dancing. She sang on the local radio station and like to attended NCO club dances to support the troops. Esther's first job during high school was at Woolworths drug store and then as a telephone operator. She always would say “number please” and then laugh. Those were good memories for her.
Esther joined the Navy and while stationed in Seattle she had the opportunity to sing with the Army Navy Band and the Eddie Peabody band in 1952. She met her husband Delos E Keelean an Army officer. They were married in 1954 and she became an instant Mom to three wonderful children Chuck, Mike and Sue, from Delos's previous marriage. In 1955 they had their own daughter Kay.
She was a stay at home Mom who loved to bake and sew. She made most all her daughter's clothes. Every Easter they woke up to a new Easter Dress she had stayed up all night finishing. She was an excellent officer's wife who put on the required officer parties but never wore her husband's rank. She was a down to earth person who put others first always. No matter where they were stationed she continued singing at Church (solos every Sunday) and at wedding and funerals. At one function she cracked a crystal punch bowl when hitting a high note. She had a beautiful voice.
They were divorced in 1968 and in 1969 Esther bought a business franchise called WE SIT BETTER. It provided in-home babysitting, adult care and hospital discharge care if needed. This gave her the opportunity to have the office in her home, which being home was always her love. At one point she had 30 ladies on staff. She ran a very successful business for 45 years. Esther also was on the board of directors for the Tacoma Historical Society and active in Group Health board meetings.
Her biggest accomplishment and what she will be remember for the most is being a devoted Mother and Grandma. She attended all her grandson Geary's soccer games around the state of Washington, Canada and all school games. She wore a sweatshirt which said “ Soccer Grandma”. She supported all school functions and activities for Geary and Christine (other grandchildren live out of state). She attended her great grandchilden's soccer games up to the age of 92. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren/great grandchildren. She also taught her children the love of reading, she herself loved to read and play scrabble.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Huber, granddaughters Christine Hayes and Teresa Sullivan, great grandson Mathew Kubik and her ex-husband and close friend Duke (Delos) Keelean.
Esther is survived by her sons Mike Keelean and Chuck Keelean (Angie), daughters Sue Bentley (Bosco) and Kay Hayes (Geary). Her grandchilren Geary Hayes (Jesi) and Renee Coffel (William). Her great grandchildren Elizabeth Hayes, Sawyer Hayes, Zack Bentley and Kaityn Kubik. Her brother Jack Huber (Trudy).
We want to thank Grannie's Place, the adult home she lived at these last two years. The care and love they provided exceeded all expectations. Thank you Conchita and Enen. Thank you to the owners Ferdie and Elvira Rafael for providing our Mom a safe and loving environment
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