Louisa Keeling

Louisa Keeling was escorted by angels to her heavenly home on Monday, December 20, 2010 when she passed away at her home in Cleveland at the age of ninety-four. Louisa was born on November 25, 1916 in Salado, a small community in Independence County of Northeastern Arkansas. She was the daughter of Sam and Martha (Kyler) Hendrickson. She was raised in the Salado area and attended school there. Louisa later met and was married to Millard Keeling in Providence, Arkansas on June 2, 1936. The couple made their initial home in Arkansas and were married for about eight years before Millard was called to the service of his country in World War II. After the war, the couple moved frequently following work on the pipeline until they settled in Cleveland in 1952 and raised their four children, Joyce, Jackie, Norman and Pat. Louisa loved to garden, spending many hours assisting Millard in tending to his vegetable garden; especially known for their tomatoes. With his growing skills and Louisaís canning skills they could provide vegetables to their family and friends year round. They also spent countless hours together enjoying music. The family would often get together singing and playing country and gospel music for hours. Through her love for the outdoors, Louisa also developed a gift for flower gardening. Her annual floral display in her yard was a sight to behold. Her neighbors and people passing by her home would often stop and visit while admiring her beautiful garden. She would plant her flowers early in the spring looking forward to the beauty they would produce. In bloom her garden would be brought to her church, Western Heights Baptist Church, each week in the form of a bouquet for nearly twenty years or more. Louisa was an active member of the Western Heights Baptist Church since its organization. She rocked hundreds of church children in the nursery throughout the years and assisted as the church custodian for many years. She was always available to cook something and assist with church and funeral dinners. She was described by her family as a faithful, loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother who was extremely gentle and giving. Her life was an example of the Virtuous Woman depicted in Proverbs 31. Louisaís strong Christian faith was filled with the fruits of the spirit and these nine divine qualities were exhibited daily in her personality; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Regardless of her circumstance or the events surrounding her life, Louisa was never critical of others or complained about anything. Louisa also liked hand crafts especially crocheting. She has made Christmas Ornaments for her family, friends and church family for many years; recently completing this yearís Candy Cane Ornaments. She loved to cook for her family and made Sunday dinners at her home a family tradition. Additionally, she always had something cooked and in the refrigerator when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came by or would prepare whatever they wanted. Louisa was preceded in death by her husband, Millard on June 19, 2002; her parents, three brothers, Loy, Edgar, and Cletus; sister, Daisy Watkins; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter. She is survived by her four children, Joyce and Jack Donnelly of Hallett, Oklahoma, Jackie and Phillip Wilson of Hominy, Oklahoma, Norman and Marie Keeling of Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Pat Johnson of Cleveland, Oklahoma; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Edith Agee of Mountain View, Arkansas.