Melba Marie Keehner

October 18, 1924 - November 26, 2018

Melba Marie Keehner (nee Stitzel) 94, of West Chester, Ohio, passed peacefully at her home, Monday, November 26, 2018. Born the youngest of nine children on October 18, 1924, in Hamilton, Ohio, to the late Clyde and Emma (Miller) Stitzel. She was raised in Reily Township, was a cheerleader, and graduated from Reily High School in 1942. She married her soulmate, Edouard Lee Keehner, September 18, 1948, at Millville Presbyterian Federated Church. She was employed with Ohio Farm Bureau. Melba was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who knew “how to rock” a homemade cherry pie, winning The All-Ohio-Bake-A-Rama in Butler County. Melba was a sports fan for all collegiate and professional teams, but The Cincinnati Reds and The Ohio State University were her favorite. Her enthusiasm for sports and wealth of sports knowledge will be sorely missed. She was a Brownie Leader, served on Farm Bureau Council, was a member of 4-H and The Homemakers Group, and organized the talent show at the Butler County Fair. Melba was an active charter member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason, Ohio, where she was the talented organist for 20 years, was in charge of the worship and music programs including The Children’s Choir, The Junior Choir, and The Adult Choir. She was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher, served on The Luther League, The Youth Group and The Church Council Committees. Melba served as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer for L.C.W. Since 1979, she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Ohio. She lived a fun-filled life traveling extensively around the world and being a part-time winter resident for 25 years in Tavares, Florida, where she enjoyed golf and card games, entertained, and attended Union Congregational Church. An amazingly strong woman in character and faith with a beautiful smile and a jovial demeanor exemplifies Melba. Because of her friendly and outgoing personality, she accumulated a vast amount of friends and never knew a stranger. She will be missed beyond words by her family and all those who knew and loved her. Lee and Melba were two halves of a circle and with God’s blessing are happily reunited for eternity. Melba will be lovingly remembered by her three precious children: Rick (Teresa) Keehner of Camden, Ohio, Susan Keehner of Naples, Florida, and Julie (Brad) Abell of Naples, Florida, her two granddaughters; Michelle (Scott) Hollon and Heather Morton, six great grandchildren: Logan, Cameron, and Carson Hollon and Bryant, Brody, and Braylon Morton all of Camden, Ohio. Melba was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Edouard Lee Keehner, (9-30-2018), her parents, Emma and Clyde Stitzel, her six brothers: Clifford Stitzel, Earl M. Stitzel, John L. Stitzel, Clarence Stitzel, Clyde L. Stitzel, Robert Stitzel, her two sisters: Helen Stitzel and Anna Louise Stitzel (Hale), and her daughter in law, Deborah A. Keehner. A private family funeral (Weigel Funeral Home) and graveside services were held at West Chester Cemetery (Brookside). Send online condolences to www.weigelfuneralhome.com