Mary Keithley

Mary Joan Keithley (Bryant, Gray), 100 years old, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home on March 30, 2023. Mary was born January 13, 1923 in Rochester, Indiana, an only child of Ernest and Norabel Bryant. She leaves behind daughter Cheryl Gray Raudabaugh (Chris), and five step children: Dennis Keithley, Jack (Judy) Keithley, Dawn (Denny) Shipley, Tom (Holly) Keithley, Ken (Missy) Keithley. She has two granddaughters Lauren (Brian) Schaefer and Amanda Martin, and great granddaughters Grace and Katherine Schaefer. In addition, she was so happy to add more of the Keithley clan: eight grand-children: Trisha, Luke, Justin, Ginger, Scott, Chris, Matt, and Andrew; sixteen great-grand-children, and a great-great-grand-child. She is preceded in death by husbands Waldo L Gray in 1993 and John L Keithley in 2017. 100 years of enjoyment in family! One of Mary’s (Mary Jo to family) favorite sayings when anyone mentioned going somewhere was: “I’ll get my purse!”. She loved living - she went flying in a small plane at 18, began public singing starting in her teens but couldn’t afford voice lessons, went sailing and riding on a motorcycle and got her first computer in her 70s, took a go cart ride in her 80s, and loved cruising and travel into her 90s. She never wanted to miss anything that would involve being with others, loved to dance, go to parties, visit friends and family. She was a proud member of the Eastern Star for 80 yrs and worked as a dental assistant, office support for two dentists over many years in Marion, Ohio. Mary grew up on a farm thru the depression. She married at only 17, traveled with her WWII husband stationed in several states, felt life was fulfilled with her only successful pregnancy at 32yo. Mary survived breast cancer twice and became a strong advocate for others, was married to Waldo Gray for >50 years, then a couple years after his passing, married a long term family friend John Keithley after he lost his wife. She was thrilled to absorb his family as her own and was so very happy with him for >20 yr. The favorite place she lived was Fort Myers, Florida, for the weather and her many friends. There will be no local services; a celebration of life will be held May 20 in Rochester, IN, where her ashes will be buried alongside Waldo Gray and near other deceased family members. Any who wish to make a donation in her memory are encouraged to consider The American Cancer Society or Central Ohio Hospice. Things I learned from Mom: 1. Be Kind and Polite– everyone loved her, in part because she loved everyone and always would find time for any friend/family in need. 2. Just Keep Going – not the same as never give up as there are times you need to accept or walk away, but instead when you get knocked down, get up and keep going the best you can and find value in every day. 3. Smile – it makes each day better. This is the poem Mom gave me many years ago after an illness, and wanted read after her death: When I Must Leave You by Helen Steiner Rice When I must leave you for a little while, Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years, But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same, Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each waking hour in useful ways, Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Mary Keithley

January 13, 1923 - March 30, 2023