Waneta M Keene

March 8, 1940 – March 10, 2016

Waneta Marie Keene died peacefully Thursday March 10th in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by loving family and friends and she fought a long hard battle and now lives in everlasting peace.

Waneta was born on March 8, 1940 in Camp Crook, South Dakota to Wanda and Preston Turbiville. She was raised in Newell, South Dakota where she met and fell in love with her husband of 58 years, Roy Keene. They moved to Alliance, Nebraska where they made a home to raise their children. Upon retirement Waneta and Roy moved to their beloved home near Chadron, Nebraska.

Late in life, Waneta was fortunate to find her true calling as a nurse. She proudly served the Alliance community at Box Butte General Hospital for years after graduating from the Alliance School of Practical Nursing. We have all been blessed with many, many testimonials of love and laughter she shared with her neighbors, colleagues, patients and friends who were fortunate enough to be under her care and company. Her love as a care giver was also enjoyed while working with Dr. Harry Mills, Alliance Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Forney, all of Alliance.

As her life grew in Alliance, so did her place in the community. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron, Nebraska. She also served as a member of the Jaycee Jill’s, American Legion, An Auxiliary Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and Senior Center. Her vibrancy, smile and passion will be missed by all she knew.

Most importantly, Waneta loved her family. Her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and close friends were what mattered. It was not uncommon for all to be together celebrating life, surprises, pranks, and a friendly bridge game with her friends. She and her family have always enjoyed each other’s company. She lived her life loving family and surprises, celebrating a most recent surprise birthday party. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend.

Waneta is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Roy, her children Teresa (Ray) Clem, Greg (Lina) Keene, Karen Keene, and Lori (Todd) Hightower. Her grandchildren Jeral (Clair), Justin (Claudia), Hollie, Steven, Taylor, Garrett, Daniel, and Ashleigh, great grandchildren King and Jarett. Her sisters, Margie, Bev and Kathy, and brother Chuck, and her daughter of the heart Leigh Ann (Steve) Stinnette along with Stevie Shae, Branson and Charleigh. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Wanda and Preston Turbiville, and an infant son Gerald.

The Keene family cannot begin to name all the special and loving people Waneta cherished. Know that she was proud to be your friend and that she appreciated and loved everyone she was blessed to have in her life.

The family will honor her life in a mass and a celebration of life in Nebraska at a later date.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, in honor of Waneta Keene. Donations may be made online at wnccfoundation.org or by mail at 1601 E. 27th St., Scottsbluff, NE 69361. These memorial funds will be used to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Waneta to support a nontraditional nursing student on the Alliance, Nebraska campus. Waneta, completed her practical nursing degree as a nontraditional student at the age of 40.

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