Mary Eva Keith Obituary (2023)

With her family by her side, Mary left for heaven, to be united with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 8, 2023. Mary was born to Hiram and Dolly Smith, on October 25, 1937, joining her beloved brother, Ralph. Surrounded by extended family and dear friends, Mary enjoyed and had many fond and funny memories of a childhood, full of love and adventure. Mary attended and graduated from Moxee Schools, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Billie R. Keith. They were joined in marriage on December 24, 1955. Early on, they moved and resided in Great Falls, Montana, for four years, as Bill served in the United States Air Force. It was there that they welcomed their first two daughters, Patricia, and Cynthia, experienced the independence of life on their own, and made friendships that would last a lifetime. Returning to their roots in Terrace Heights, they settled on land neighboring her parents, grandparents, and extended family. It was there that they welcomed their son, Robert, daughters, Dana, and Diane, and later in life, son, Louis Gillespe Jr. Their family was complete. Mary was a busy wife and mother. She was very active in the lives of her husband and children. Whether it was sewing uniforms for cheerleading, feeding not only her children, but all the neighborhood children who would arrive after school for a snack (she could feed a bus load with a can of tuna), or making lunches for Bill and his fishing buddies. Mary fulfilled her promises as a loving and supportive wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, aunt, and faithful friend, all with a giving and loving spirit. Mary was creative and had a mind for problem solving, attributes handed down from her parents. She enjoyed many years of crafting with wood and paints, creating gifts that would be treasured by family and friends. However, she would say that baking was her favorite hobby, relaxing and fulfilling. Her chili egg puff, spaghetti, and lasagna were big hits, along with her rum cakes, bran muffins, banana bread, cookies, and perfect pumpkin pies, all made with love and in quantity for all to share. Mary was versatile and welcomed growth. In 1992, at 55 years of age, she took a job with Haas Fruit, where she retired as a packing boss. In her ten years working there, she made many memories and new treasured friends. Marys home was always open, inviting, and warm, a place where her family and friends loved to gather. She deeply treasured and vested her time in knowing each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, and nephew. She loved all unconditionally. We rejoice in a life well lived, and await an amazing reunion yet to come! Mary is survived by her brother, Ralph Smith, and family, families of Patricia Scott, Cynthia (Randy) Layman, Robert (Suzy) Keith, Dana Keith, Diane (Bob Schneider) Keith, Louis Jr. (Cindy) Gillespie, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, beloved nieces, nephews, and treasured friends. Mary is preceded in death by Hiram and Dolly Smith, Billie Ray Keith, Ralph Scott, and Dorie Smith. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 11:00am, at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will follow, at the Terrace Heights Civic Center. All are invited to attend. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Graveside Service Terrace Heights Memorial Park Tuesday, May 23, 2023 11:00 AM 3001 Terrace Heights Drive Yakima, WA 98901