Yvonne Keefer
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The funeral services for Yvonne June Keefer, 74, Lawrence, KS, who died at her home on January 3rd, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 9th at First Southern Baptist Church in Lawrence. There will be a visitation between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, January 8th at the church. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Ula Cemetery in Westcliffe, CO.
Mrs. Keefer was born October 2nd, 1935 in Gotebo, OK, the daughter of Carl and Zelma Bond Kelsoe.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University.
Mrs. Keefer was active in Southern Baptist work, serving as a campus minister first at Washburn University in 1967 and 1968, and then Kansas University from 1969 through 1982. She briefly served as Minister of Education at First Southern Baptist Church of Lawrence in 1969. She became Executive Director of Woman’s Missionary Union responsible for missions education for the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists in 1983, retiring in 2003.
She was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Lawrence and was an associate member of the First Baptist Church of Westcliffe, CO. She was a member of HZ Chapter of PEO Sisterhood. During the 70’s and 80’s she served as a Police Chaplain to the Lawrence Police Department. She also served on numerous national boards of the Woman’s Missionary Union of Southern Baptists.
She married Jim Keefer on June 8, 1955 in Oklahoma City, OK. He survives of the home. She and her husband lived part-time in Westcliffe, CO where she served as a road commissioner in Tanglewood Acres, an incorporated community.
Other survivors include two sons, Steve Keefer of Las Animas, CO and Brian Keefer of Tampa, FL, a sister, Jean Denton of Oklahoma City, OK, and four grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials in her name to the Webster Conference Center Elevator Fund, the First Southern Baptist Church in Lawrence, or the building fund of the First Baptist Church of Westcliffe, and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
I’m sorry to hear of Yvonne’s passing. While I hadn’t seen her in many years, I have many fond memories of “Uncle Jim and Aunt Yvonne.” Just this weekend as I was organizing my children’s books, I said to my mom, “Now I understand why Jim and Yvonne were so excited to give me Steve and Brian’s books when they outgrew them!” I know she touched many lives and will be missed.
Woman’s Missionary Union is richer because of Yvonne’s involvement, and my personal time on the WMU, SBC Executive Board was richer because of her encouragement. I’m praying for you all during this difficult time.
Although I had never met Yvonne, I had heard many wonderful things about her. I know her passing leaves a hole in your heart and home, but I rejoice with you that she is now in the arms of Jesus!
As Florida WMU directors we were blessed as we worked with Yvonne in National Woman’s Missionary Union. She truly walked with her Lord and shared Him with others.
Praying for all of you.
It was my delight to work with Yvonne through WMU. Serving on committees, working on assignments, or playing games she was a delight to be with. Her sharp mind always kept us focused and her sense of humor kept me on my toes. We laughed together, cried some and enjoyed what God had called us to do. In retirement there had not been opportunity for us to be together. I know she will be missed by the family who loved her and her memory will be cherished by each of us privileged to know her. God blessings on you during these days. His grace is always sufficient.
I will always remember Yvonne and her willingness to help out with anything. We shared as fellow WMU Directors during my tenure in Missouri and I always appreciated her wisdom. She will be missed by all who knew her. I thank God for her influence in my life.
Yvonne was one of those leaders that you never forget because of her passion, courage, and hard work. Her enthusiasm was contagious especially when it came to KU basketball. She touched so many and I am grateful to be counted among that number.
I remember Yvonne from her days as the Kansas/Nebraska WMU executive director with fondness and admiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yvonne had a heart for the world and was always so kind to me during my days with WMU. I will miss her! I know she pleased our Lord with her service!
Dear Keefer Family,
May God give you His peace and comfort during this great loss to your family. I served as State WMU Executive Director for Hawaii and worked with Yvonne in that capacity. She was a very special lady.
Aloha,
Alice Newman
Praying for you as you miss and remember your wife, mother & grandmother. I smile thinking of her rejoicing at meeting the Lord she served so faithfully. I was just starting in KS-NE WMU when Yvonne retired and didn’t get to spend much time with her, but feel like I knew her well from all of the stories shared by the women who served with and loved her.
Praying for you as you miss and remember your wife, mother & grandmother. I smile thinking of her rejoicing at meeting the Lord she served so faithfully. I was just starting in KS-NE WMU when Yvonne retired and didn’t get to spend much time with her, but feel like I knew her well from all of the stories shared by the women who served with and loved her.
Jim and family, I am sorry for your loss, but as you know Yvonne is in heaven with her Savior. I am praying for you all as you grieve over the next few months that you will lean on the Lord and get comfort from HIS arms.
It was a delight to partner with Yvonne through Woman’s Missionary Union. Her missions insight, passion, and commitment were inspiring.
To Jim and the family, Charlie and I send our assurance of prayer support.
Brian and family,
God could not be everywhere, therefore he made mothers and loaned them to us for ever so short a time. May you find a place of comfort and know that you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Keefer family,
Yvonne was a wonderful person so precious I loved her so much my prayers are with you all. Just rememeber Yvonne was like a rose beautiful inside and out. Love you all Diana
Dear Jim and boys, We are so sorry about your loss. We loved and cherished Yvonne. Both of you have blessed our lives and we will miss her and be thinking about you. We know she is with the Lord but the void left I know will be hard. God’s blessings on you in the months ahead. Abe and Annette
My gratitude for Yvonne’s life. Her love of people and food were surpassed only by her love for missions. For me Yvonne set the challenge of knowing how to grow and use volunteers in state WMU.
As a friend she was a consistent listener and thinker, never fearful to express what she believed to be the truth. Although she was “usually” right, she was always willing to “see” the other side. I learned of her “home-going” while sharing a day with Judith Edwards in Albuquerque. We recalled the time when Yvonne, Mari Jaqueth, Judith and I had shopped Old Town and then spent time in Judith and Dalton’s home. Any time spent with Yvonne was a laughing and learning experience. Thank you to the family for sharing Yvonne with so many in the WMU family.
Yvonne was a woman after God’s own heart. She was my mentor and friend and I loved her. Thank you for sharing her with the women of Kansas Nebraska. She gave us much of her time and energy and it was worth it! Jim and family you will continue to be in my prayers.
I first met Yvonne in 1999 when I was WMU NC President and I’m so glad I did. I was always inspired by her and challenged. I missed her wisdom when she retired. She will be greatly missed by many.
I along with the Staff of WMU NC send our love and prayers to her family.
Evelyn and I still remember our trip to Ephesus with Yvonne and Jim with great fondness. That day was a great experience of seeing a biblical site and getting to know the Keefers better. We will miss Yvonne.
Yvonne was our “mom”, sponsor, and friend while we were in BSU at KU. Jim, Yvonne, Steve, and Brian were our extended family. Yvonnne listened, guided, fed us, housed us and loved us…and we loved her. What an amazing lady! Jim, Steve, Brian and families -you know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I enjoyed getting to know Yvonne through KNCSB wMu. Her passion for missions and for the Lord was contagious. She will be missed. Your family is and will be in my prayers.
I was not aware that Yvonne was not well and this came as a shock to me and the ladies of our church (Southview Baptist Church). Yvonne was very kind in accepting an invitation to be the speaker at our ladies retreat. She was an excellent speaker. She connected with the ladies and we laughed a lot.
May the wonderful memories bring you peace and most of all Gods love.
Jim and family. We certainly know that she is singing with the angels and is very happy.
The hard part is that you miss her very much. My love and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I have many fond memories and that is what we have to remember.
May God Bless you richly.
Maxine and Shorty Thorne, Cherryvale, Kansas
Dear Jim, Steve, Brian, and family,
My most precious memory will be the Ks-NE WMU presidents (past and present) visit with Jim and Yvonne last June in Colorado. As always Yvonne was the ultimate hostess. Our time together brought back many memories of travel and working together. Yvonne was many things to many people. First she was a wife and mother who loved her family and God so much.
May God be with you during this time. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Thank you for allowing us to take up so much of her time. She made a difference. She was an infulence and mentor to many. She will never be forgotten. God bless == Mary Jo
Deepest sympathy to her family.
Our prayers are with you! We love and appreciate all of you very much. Call if we can be of any help in any way.
Terry and Ginger
Jim and Family, Ever since Yvonne became a part of the national WMU family, I’ve appreciated, admired, and loved her. Her humor, practicality and perseverance were inspiring. She was a good friend to the women of Minnesota-Wisconsin WMU, even brought a training team here to help develop leaders. Her interest in Hmong women was a special encouragement to me. Yvonne was an extraordinary model for mentoring; her legacy will continue through the lives she strengthened. As my African friends used to say, “my heart is crying with yours.” Yvonne, we miss you! Betty Lynn
Dear Jim and family, The Air Force first sent Rett and I to Nebraska in the fall of 1982 so my years in KNSBC began with the WMU leadership of Yvonne! What a woman! What a mentor! Thank you for sharing her with us! Your relationship always exemplified the meaning of “WMU” that I love: “We Men Understand”! My love and prayers from South Carolina.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family this week. Yvonne was such a bright spot for Sandy, Julia, and me while we were at KU. I know that God’s mercy and grace will sustain you in your time of suffering.
Jim and Family – What an amazing wife and mother you had. She had the ability to see the potential in women. Her encouragement and mentoring made possible many rewarding experiences that I would not have attempted without her support, and yes, push. Through your willingness to share Yvonne, she and you blessed many lives. Thank you for your generosity. You will be in my prayers as you celebrate her life and honor your memories of her. Becky Minor, Spearville, Kansas
Jim, Steve, Brian and the rest of the family, as you know, Yvonne was special in my eyes. Not only was she my boss but my friend and mentor. She followed the call God put on her life in such a way that women in Kansas Nebraska and around the world will continue feeling the effects of her ministry. I will miss her as I know you will. Love Vashti
Yvonne was an inspiration to many and touched many lives. Her example of servant leadership is a testimony of her love for Christ. I will be praying for you and your family as you wait to meet her again in heaven.
I knew Yvonne from National WMU activities and meetings. She was a blessing to me and I know to many others. Know that I have prayed for Yvonne’s health and that I am praying for you as you grieve.
What a gift from God by having met Yvonne!
Sincerely, Melanie Hart, Eighty Four, PA: former PA/SJ WMU President
Jim and family,
I’m an old friend of Yvonne, who invited me to speak many times for the Kansas-Nebraska women. (several of those times at Webster Conference Center, and several at retreat centers or churches.)
Yvonne told me often about what a wonderful husband you are, how you were going to war immediately after you two married in New Orleans, and how you met there down through the years for special mini vacations.
I was in your home and loved the rug hanging in the hall and the Borden collection of items you two collected over the years.
Just wanted you to know you have my sincere condolences and best wishes for joy in the future. I also lost a spouse many years ago, and only those of us who have gone through that can really understand. I’ll be praying for all of you in the coming days. Take care.
Edna
Dear Jim, Steve, Brian & Family: I was blessed to know Yvonne as a great friend, encourager, and mentor as a missions leader and a pastor’s wife. Her passion for missions was contagious, spreading to all those around her. We spent many hours on the ATeam laughing at her Colorado construction stories! What a joy to serve with her. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. We are lifting you all up in prayer from South Carolina.
Love, Valerie (& Luis) Gargiulo