Obituary of Rhea M. Keech

Smethport - Rhea M. Keech, 83, of Cyclone, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday (July 7, 2020) in the Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford.

 

She was born Sept. 1, 1936 in Wilson, NY, a daughter of Hollis and Beulah Taylor Andrews.  She was married to Leon J. “Bud” Keech, Jr., who preceded her in death.

 

Ms. Keech was a graduate of  Smethport Area High School and was employed at Sena Kean Manor for many years in the house keeping and activities departments.

 

She enjoyed quilting, sewing and playing cards.  She loved listening to gospel music and was an excellent baker and cook. 

 

She was a member of the Quilters Guild and attended the Faith Baptist Church of Bradford.

 

She is survived by:

Four sons:  Leon (Marty) Keech, III of York, PA, Hollis (Cindy Kopper) Keech of Batavia, NY, Bryon (Bonnie) Keech of Bradford, and Michael Keech of Hazel Hurst

One daughter:  Hope Keech of Iron Station, NC

Five grandchildren:  Jonni Jo Carothers, Jeannie “Bear” Putnam, Tanya Kuzelka, Jennifer Reider and Cherity Tuminaro

Nine great-grandchildren

Three sisters:  Sally Stoughton of Hopewell Junction, NY, Jean Hirsch of Portville, NY, and Greer Barr of Smethport

One brother:  Duane Andrews of Ormsby

And many nieces and nephews

 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Daniel Andrews and one sister, Marilyn Andrews.

 

Visitation will be held on Friday (July 10, 2020), from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford, where funeral and committal services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday with the Rev. Gary W. Smith, pastor of Faith Baptist Church of Bradford, officiating.  Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park on Monday at 10 AM.

 

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to donate to the Faith Baptist Church of Bradford, Roswell Park Cancer Center, (roswellpark.org), or Family Life Network (fln.org).  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.