Mary Keith

ANNA, Ill. -- Mary A. Keith, 92, of Anna died Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 1, 1914, in Union County, daughter of Dugan and Agnes Highland Tripp. She married Dr. John R. Keith.

Keith was a 1933 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, and received bachelor and master degrees from Southern Illinois University.

She was a teacher 30 years in Southern Illinois, then was a teacher 15 years in Elgin, Ill. She taught English and social studies, as well as sponsoring extracurricular activities.

Keith was a charter member and past president of Anna-Jo Garden Club, life member of the Garden Clubs of Illinois, and served on the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Townsend F. Dodd American Legion Auxiliary, Carroll P. Foster VFW Auxiliary 3455, Union County Home Extension, Jonesboro Homemakers, Pi Lambda Theta sorority, National Honor and Professional Association in Education and was a 4-H leader for the Busy Maids.

She began volunteer work in Elgin where she sponsored activities for veterans in the hospital. After retiring she continued working with veterans at the Marion VA Hospital, where she volunteered 11,200 hours.

Survivors include a sister, Louise Rich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from noon to time of service Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Darren Casper and Doug Bridgeman officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.