Grandma Shirlye

Shirlye A. Keen 1934-2007

Shirlye A. Keen, 73, of Streator, died Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Streator. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Central Church of Christ with the Rev. Mark Upchurch officiating. Burial will be in Phillips Cemetery in Streator. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Solon, Baker & Telford Funeral Home in Streator and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Mrs. Keen was born May 17, 1934, in Grundy County, to Newt and Agnes (Garvin) Mathison. She married Robert L. Keen on Aug. 19, 1963, in Streator. She attended Dwight High School. She was a selector for Owens-Illinois Glass Company for many years and was a cook at Woodland School. She was a member of Central Church of Christ, where she was involved with funeral luncheons and vacation Bible school.

She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Leann Liptak of Streator; a son, Robert L. (Tina) Jr. of Streator; a stepdaughter, Irene Cripe of Streator; four grandchildren, Shelby and Taylee Keen, Cory Kreitzer and Mandy Liptak; two stepgrandchildren, Rick Cripe and Jennifer (Jim) Pottala; two great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ramona Oelschlager of Streator and Mardell Carter of Dwight.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Audrey Farero; one brother, Wendell Mathison; and one son-in-law, Richard Liptak.

Pallbearers will be Dave Vickers, David Kreitzer, Keith Girard, Rick Cripe, Glenn Miller and Jerry Martin.

Memorials may be directed to Central Church of Christ.

And if I may add any other words about my grandma, they would be this:

She was the sweetest lady anyone might have ever known. She probably couldn't have hurt a fly. One of the most selfless, compassionate, generous, giving hearts, my grandma always put other people before herself--even if it was just by worrying about them! We will remember plenty of funny things she said--before AND during Alzheimer's. I surely will carry on her delicious pie-making and baking skills, but I'm sure mine will not compare. She endured so many struggles in her life but overcame, and I know that she clung to Jesus all the while. I'm thankful that she and my mom used to WALK to church as my mom grew up, and my mom continued in her faith...which leads to where I am today. I know that heaven threw a party on Sunday, because they just welcomed home a lady whose heart has been there for years. Praise God!