Elsie Marie McKeown, 94, of Curwensville died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at her residence.
Born Jan. 1, 1920, she was the daughter of Clair E. and Helen E. (Anderson) Williams. Mrs. McKeown was a homemaker.
She had worked for the former Clearfield Cheese for 25 years. She volunteered for the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging in the Meals on Wheels Program. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross, Clearfield County Chapter, for many years.
She was a lifelong member of the Curwensville United Methodist Church, where she participated in W.S.C.S., the church choir. She was treasurer for many years and a part of the kitchen workers. She was also a part of the annual “Search for Peace” pageant.
On Sept. 23, 1939 at St. Timothy Church in Curwensville, she wed James R. McKeown, who preceded her in death in 1989.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Joyce Irene McKeown; a brother, Norris A. Williams; two sisters, Edith Mae Pentz and Florence Pauline Fetzer; two sons-in-law, James S. Gillen and James A. Clark; a great-great-granddaughter, Skylar; and a nephew, Robert C. Williams. She was the last member of her generation.
Surviving are three daughters, Helen Ann Gillen of Clearfield; Ruth Ellen Graham of Harrisburg; and Mary Jane Clark of Curwensville. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Bertha “Penny” Bloom, James R. Gillen, Virginia L. Guiher and her significant other, Dave, Mary Ellen Guiher and her husband, Frank, Sylvia Lansberry and her significant other, Matt, Susan M. Wills and her husband, Russ, David R. Graham and his wife, Cindy, Craig S. Graham, Christine J. Zeigler and her husband, Bradley and Bryan J. Clark and his wife, Cheryl.
In addition, there are 20 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great-grandchildren also surviving.
At the request of Mrs. McKeown, there will be no public visitation and a Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde.
The family suggests contributions be made to either the Curwensville United Methodist Church, 602 State St., Curwensville, PA 16833 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
