Mary Jane Kieffer, 80, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 3,1943, in Mount Carmel, the daughter of Ralph W. and Emma “Evalyn” (Schaefer) Ewald. She married Jackie L. Kieffer on December 29, 1995, and together they enjoyed twenty-seven years of marriage.
Mary was a member of the Mount Carmel High School Graduating Class of 1961. She worked twenty plus years in office management and bookkeeping at the local John Deere dealer and then at Kieffer Bros. Construction Co. for twenty-seven years until her retirement in June of 2017. Mary enjoyed planting flowers and being in the kitchen cooking. She was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed fishing and camping. She was a member of the Moose, Eagles, and a proud DAR member. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and The Daughters of Isabella. Mary dearly loved all of her grandchildren and keeping up with their sporting events. She was well known as “Grandma Mary” to many families, not just her own. Mary had a loving and caring heart, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Mary leaves behind her husband, Jack; daughter, Vicki White, and husband Roger; sons, Scott Kieffer and wife, Carol, Mark Kieffer; grandchildren, Crystal (Rick) Worsena, Roger (Miriam) White II, Kody (Molly) Baker, Sarah (Moe) Meals, Ryan (Jessica) Kieffer, Morgan (Koby) Wulfjen, Haley Kieffer, Sandy (Jim) Mattox, Amy Wimberly, Adam (Jessica) White; great-grandchildren, Lilith (Michael) Spinetta, Derek Worsena, Liliana Grubb, Liam Grubb, Madeleine Jane White, Marlow White, Cara Wells, Bethany Deckard, Lane White, Jaycee White, Rekel, Treyshaon, Nevaeh and DJ Meals; great-great grandchildren, Aaron Deckard, Sunny Ray, and Kelan Wells, Kade Deckard; brother, George Ewald, sister Sue Neel; several loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Carol Leetham; brother-in-law, Norman Neel; her beloved dog, Sammy Kicker Kieffer.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Bill Rowe officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the WC Cafeteria & Senior Center. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mary’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences her family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
