Barbara Mae Keel, 83, of South Whitley, died at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Majestic Care West Allen, Columbia City, where she had been a resident since June 3rd.

She was born on February 6, 1939, in Floyd County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Dave and Mary M. (Slone) Stephens. Growing up in Floyd County, she attended the Bosco School.

On November 24, 1956, she married Kenneth K. Keel. The couple has always made their home in the South Whitley area.

She began her work career at JoMac in Warsaw, then Chamberlain Products in South Whitley. She later went to work for Whitley Products in Pierceton as a welder. From 1986 until 1995, she owned and operated Barb's Pizza in South Whitley. She babysat for local families as well as cared for her grandchildren.

At home, she enjoyed gardening and preparing delicious meals for her family.  A competitive card player, her favorite game was Contract Rummy. She liked singing the old hymns and often would join her husband to watch the birds at their feeder. A devoted wife, she is also remembered by her children and grandchildren as the best mom-grandma ever.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth; her children, Pamela L. Jackson, Richard Keel, both of South Whitley, and Darla J. (Blake) Lepley of Columbia City; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Callie Conrad and a brother, Dwayne (Rita) Stephens of Marion, OH.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Denver, Rondal, Thomas, Joseph, and Rev. Bill Stephens; and sisters, Geneva Stephens, Mildred Faye Miller, Avalean King, and Donna Sue Fahl.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Barbara's honor are to the South Whitley Library.