Avis Vivian Keyes, 96

Avis Vivian Keyes, 96, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell, from complications after a stroke. Avis was born April 3, 1912, in rural Hopkins, Mich. She was raised in the Hopkins area and graduated from Shelbyville High School in Shelbyville.

In 1932, she married Royal Francis Keyes in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Avis worked as a child care professional, live-in nanny, wife and mother. She was active with the First Baptist Church of Oak Park, Ill., with their Bible classes, and was a member and officer of Women's Circle and the Gamma Nu Sunday school, all for more than 70 years.

Her charity work involved the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Paralyzed Veteran's of America, and ministering to nursing homes and shut-ins from church.

Avis enjoyed all aspects of nature and wildlife, dress design fashion trends, classical music, all aspects of scientific research, space exploration, extensive journal writing with prolific illustrations, and was an exhibiting visual artist.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Julia Olson; husband, Royal Francis Keyes; brother, Archie; and sisters, Eleanor, Judith, Irene, Lillian and Carol Olson.

She is survived by her children, Spencer Alan Keyes, Sherryl Ann Keyes, Carolyn Marie Keyes, Carl Douglas Keyes and Michael David Keyes; two grandchildren, Eric Malcom Pollard and Nathan Keyes Cheng; and two great-grandchildren, Oscar and Desmond Cheng.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Oak Park, 820 Ontario, Oak Park, IL 60302. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.