Joyce R. Keyes

Joyce R. Keyes, 84, Mexico, Indiana passed away at 2:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Howard Regional Health System, Kokomo.

Born January 29, 1928 in Mexico, Indiana she was the daughter of Walter Edward and Carlotta May Kotterman Lesley. On September 14, 1959 in Peru, Indiana she was married to Blaine J. Keyes and he preceded her in death on March 14, 1998.

Joyce was a member of the Mexico First Brethren Church for over seventy years where she was active in the Women's Missionary Society. She was a fifty year member and Past Matron of the Vashti Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Mexico. She enjoyed reading, puzzle books, bicycling, gardening, and traveling. She enjoyed time with the Literary Book Club and spent many hours volunteering as a Pink Lady at Dukes Memorial Hospital

In 1946 she graduated from Jefferson Township High School in Mexico. She then attended and graduated from the Good Samaritan School of Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. For over forty-one years, she worked as a Registered Nurse in Peru primarily at Dukes Memorial Hospital and Miller's Merry Manor.

Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer L. Keyes, Mexico; one brother, Ed Lesley and his wife Hazel, Mexico; two step-sisters, Mary Ruth Keeling, Mexico, and Linda Woodhouse and husband Richard, Kentucky; three sisters-in-law, Wilma Lesley, Mexico and Claris Ann Richie, Peru., and Barbara Webb, Hobart; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers Bill and Fred Lesley, one sister, Judy Mongosa and her husband Lyman "Rud;" and one sister-in-law, Ethel Mae Keyes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at McClain Funeral Home, Denver. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.

Visitation will be from 2-7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed towards Kokomo Rescue Mission, Riverside School in Lost Creek, Kentucky, or Camp Shipshewana.