Elaine Keene

Keene, Elaine R. 3/7/1936 - 9/25/2020 Kalamazoo, Michigan Age 84, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020. Elaine was born in Kalamazoo on March 07, 1936, the daughter of Elmer Paul Drummond and Ellen Ruth (Taylor) Drummond. Elaine loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her whole being lit up when they were around. She went to South Junior High and Kalamazoo Central. She was a homeroom teacher for her children for many years. Elaine also enjoyed sewing and made clothes for her kids, enjoyed upholstery work, cake decorating, bowling, Stanley and Tupperware home parties and camping. Elaine had good memories of working with Irving Gilmore at Gilmore Brothers Department Store for over 20 years. She and her kids delivered telephone books and they will always remember that her mantra: "If you get lost, drive faster!" On January 16, 1954, she married Norman D. Keene and together they started their family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years in 2018, her brothers, Elwin and Elva Drummond and her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Brenda (Steve) Penix of Kalamazoo, Norman (Janet) Keene of Scotts, Michael Keene of Martin, Judy Krill of Florida, and Linda (Mike)McNaughton of Vicksburg, as well as her sister, Eleanor (Toby) Walker. She had six beloved grandchildren: Daniel (Amy) Keene, Christa (Tyler) Sharp, Jimmy (Mindi) Krill, Jason (Alyssa Perry) Krill, Mathew (Jessica) McNaughton and Dae (Mandy) McNaughton, and seven adoring great-grandchildren: Gerald and Erica Sharp, Lucas and Henry Keene, Jimmy III, Parker and Duane Krill who will carry her legacy. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service to memorialize Elaine will be held at the Centre Avenue Church of God in Portage, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elaine's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society or the Centre Avenue Church of God in care of the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave a condolence message at www.joldersma-klein.com.