Mary Elizabeth Keech

Mary Elizabeth Keech was born on March 27, 1933 in Hillrose, Colorado to Alec Schnegelberger and Milly Schnegelberger (nee Pabst). She passed away on April 16, 2018, in Wheat Ridge, CO at the age of 85.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Eugene Keech, who passed away on June 4, 1991. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Gregory E. Keech and Douglas R. Keech. Survivors include Robert Ray Keech (son), Albert Schnegelberger (brother), Annette Schnegelberger White (niece), Karl Schnegelberger (nephew), Mike Schnegelberger (nephew), and Steven Schnegelberger (nephew). Additional family include Alvina Sue Grauberger (step-daughter), Ronald Allen Grauberger (grandson), Kay Bannister (granddaughter), and Carol Malone (granddaughter), 9 great grandchildren and 13 great great granchildren. She is also survived by numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

Mary was raised on her parents farm in Hillrose and graduated from Hillrose High School. After graduating, she moved to Denver and attended Barnes Business College in Denver and attained a degree (Associates possibly). Shortly after finishing school, she went to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a secretary and later a supervisor of the secretarial and stenographer pools. Some of the FBI agents would ask her if she was going to become the first female agent. Mary was transferred to the FBI office in Las Vegas, NV before resigning to get married and start a family. Ray always told people that J. Edgar Hoover moved her to Las Vegas to prevent them from getting married. The story continued that he traveled to Las Vegas and, "won her back on the first roll." Of course, even dad would admit that he lied a little.

Mary married Ray Keech at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church on October 17, 1962. They had two sons who both died at a very young age. In 1968, they adopted Robert Ray Keech and raised him as if he were their biological son. Mary enjoyed many things, but was proudest about her family and her faith.

Mary enjoyed traveling, bowling, softball, and following the local professional sports teams. Other hobbies and interests included fishing, gardening, playing the piano, going to the horse races, trips to Blackhawk, and spending precious time with family and friends. Many considered Mary to be a tremendous friend and many felt they were better people for having her in their lives. She was meticulous in her attention to detail and had a knack for asking great question that often amazed. She was known for sending cards on every birthday, holiday, thank you notes, and in those cards you could always expect a hand-written note.

Mary was a devout Christian and attended church regularly until recently when her health no longer allowed her attend in person. There were many CDs in her apartment from worship services that she wasn't able to attend. Recently, she decided to read the entire Bible again to prepare for herself for eternal life.

Mary was extremely grateful for all the doctors who were instrumental in helping her maintain a quality of life in her later years. Two in particular that she would want to give special thanks are Dr. Jerry Miklin and Dr. David Badesch. She thought you two were the best in the world and helped her reach an age she never thought attainable.

Per her wishes, there will be no viewing prior to the service. There will also be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 920 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO 80215 on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, The American Heart Association, and The Scleroderma Foundation.