Earlyne Jeanette Keel, 89, of Taylorville, passed away at 7:28a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. She was born in Chicago on March 27, 1932, the daughter of Earl Leroy and Albie E. (Kloboucnik) Burchfield. She married James Willard Keel on June 8, 1952 at the Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville. Jim preceded her in death on April 7, 2013.
Earlyne worked as a nurse for many years at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1994. She was a longtime, active member of Davis Memorial Christian Church, serving in many roles including Elder Emeritus, Women’s Fellowship, and Church Women United. Earlyne also had a passion for teaching and used that gift to teach Sunday school, nurse’s aide classes, and as a reading aide in the Taylorville schools. She was a member of the Alpha Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and the Illinois State Nurses Association. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, taking walks, and watching Hallmark movies. Playing cards was also something she enjoyed, especially her longtime Friday night Skip Bo card group. She enjoyed entertaining others at Halloween time as a witch.
Another highlight for Earlyne was taking part in parades with her friends. She dearly loved visits with her family, especially her grandchildren and their puppies.
She is survived by her children: Jaylene Norris of Olivette, Missouri, David Keel (Angela) of Taylorville, and Dana Schmid (Linus) of Kincaid; grandchildren: Heather Eusebio (Alex) of Olivette, Missouri, Hilary Justus and Christopher Norris of Clarksville, Tennessee, April Mateer (Marty) of Taylorville, Ryan Keel (Lesley) of Taylorville, Jordan Keel (Taylor Kincaid) of Taylorville, Erica Montes of Chicago, and James Montes of Taylorville; great grandchildren: Gavin Norris (Sara Brown), Owen Mateer, Myles Mateer, Jakob Eusebio, Landon Keel, and Morgan Keel; great great grandchildren: Sebastian Norris, Benjamin Norris, and Anthony Norris; nieces: Susan Milton of Bolingbrook and Diane Spisak of Omaha, Nebraska; and several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and 2 sisters.
The funeral service for Earlyne will take place at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Davis Memorial Christian Church with Dennis Metsker officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00 on Saturday at the church. Following the service, Earlyne will be cremated, and a graveside inurnment will take place at 1:00p.m. on Monday, January 24 at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorials in her memory may be left to the Davis Memorial Christian Church. CDC health guidelines will be followed including the use of masks. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Earlyne, or condolences to her family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
