Deloris M. Keeling

Obituary & Life History

Deloris Keeling, 84, of Meridian passed away March 6, 2010 at her home of natural causes. A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 9,...

Deloris Keeling, 84, of Meridian passed away March 6, 2010 at her home of natural causes. A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at Cloverdale Funeral Home with a reception immediately following. A committal service will take place at a later date in Westminster, California.

Deloris was born first daughter, second child of Ed and Elma Grupe on March 30, 1925 in Britton, South Dakota. She was one of four children; Arthur, Muriel and Loren. Both of her brothers preceded her in death. Muriel lives in Salem, Oregon.

Deloris graduated in Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1942. Right after graduation, at 17 years old, she and three friends went to California, during World War II.

She married Charles Keeling in 1947, together over forty years they had six daughters: Kathleen, Sharon, Karen, Candy, Cindy and Debbie. Debbie preceded her in death in a highway accident in 1999 at forty-one years old.

She has twenty-two grandchildren, and so far twenty-four great grandchildren. Most of them live in Southern California. She leaves a host of brethren and dear friends. She was a member of the Church of the First Born since 1948 and has loved the lord all of her days. She will be buried beside her beloved in Westminster Memorial Park, in Westminster, California.

Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, “Sister Deloris” and best friend. Kind and loving giver, comforter to many and collector of stray lives. You had so many names with every one of them grounded on a foundation of Gods love. As the declaration of your passing is announced, so many of us are weeping. As our tears fall, mixed with so many emotions they are truly a testimony of our love for you and the great love you had for each of us.

In a letter opened after your passing: To a stray your loving daughter Debbie found, and you gladly accepted in to your home and family. You wrote the following “Live the faith so we can all be together someday.”

Thanks to friends, family and hospice care workers, whom helped care for Mom in her final days. A special thanks to Cindy and Ray, you embraced her with such great love and care, built a home for her and helped brighten and light her pathway to the doorway she has searched for all her life. Enjoy Mom, thanks for the advice, see you again someday.