Obituary of Amber Keene, 96

Amber Rishel Keene, 96, of Boalsburg, died Wednesday October 30, 2013 at the Wynwood House in Centre Hall.

She was born April 25, 1917, on the family farm at the edge of Tylersville in Clinton County, a daughter of the late Cleve and Elsie Grieb Rishel.

On June 17, 1936 she married Nestor Warren Keene who preceded her in death on October 23, 1994.

Amber graduated from Sugar Valley Vocational High School in Loganton.

Mrs. Keene worked for the Department of the Navy at the Sylvania Plant for eleven years during and following World War II. In 1952 after moving to Boalsburg, she worked as a research technician in the John Almquist Research Center at Penn State retiring after twenty seven years of service.

She was a long time active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Boalsburg, having served on many committees through the years. Mrs. Keene also had the distinction of being the oldest member of the church. Her other memberships included the Boalsburg Fire Company Auxiliary, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Keene had a vast knowledge of and deep interest in the histories of Centre and Clinton Counties, and thoroughly enjoyed researching genealogies. Gifted in creative abilities, she specialized in making dolls for small children, and was part of an elite group known as Accredited Doll Makers.

Surviving Mrs. Keene is a daughter in law Jean Keene; one granddaughter, Lori Ann Keene Stiver and her husband Kevin, and a grand son in law Robert Jackson and fiancée Pat Dorman, five great grandchildren, Robert D. Jackson and his wife Janette, Brandon L. Stiver and his wife Kim, Nicholas C. Stiver, Kyla L. Jackson Strouse and her husband Ethan and Cory N. Jackson; two great great granddaughters Emily J. Boob; and Daisy J. Jackson, three nephews, Walter and David Overdorf and Anthony Rishel and many great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son Robert L. Keene, a granddaughter Pamela Jean Keene Jackson, a sister Grace Overdorf; and two brothers, Lawrence and Loren Rishel.

At her request there will be no public visitation. A private graveside service will be held at the Tylersville Cemetery near Tylersville with the Reverend Monica Ouellette officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St John’s United Church of Christ, 218 N. Church St., Boalsburg, PA 16827.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelman funeralhome.com.