Ann Keim

Obituary of Ann O. Keim

The world lost the physical presence of Celestia “Ann” Oberst Keim, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend on January 15, 2021.  She passed peacefully with family by her side.  Ann was born to Albert and Bertha Obertst in McPherson, Kansas in 1927.  It was during her 4 years at McPherson College that she met her husband, Don Keim.  They dated throughout those college years and married in June of 1949.  Her 71 year marriage to Don was rich and full as they raised their children: Beverly (Tony) Tomao of Modesto, CA; Patty (Gil) Sierra of Nampa and Dave (Mary Puccio) Keim of Meridian, ID.

Ann enjoyed an active membership in the Church of the Brethren, memberships in PEO, Shakespeare Club and various bridge groups. She earned her Idaho teaching certificate in 1971 and began her productive and rewarding teaching career.  As a Home Economics and Science teacher at Nampa’s West Junior High she used not only her teaching skills but her kind and caring nature to train and nurture many young minds.  Her appreciation for learning and sharing knowledge was also evidenced by her work as a docent at the McHenry Mansion of Modesto, CA.  Our family home was always filled with the fruits of her homemaking talents and we will always enjoy the special knitting and sewing projects she gifted each of us throughout the years.  She doted on her family and passed along the special family recipes, a fondness for family games, and her favorite jokes. 

Having begun their married life in Nampa, Idaho, Ann and Don also lived in Modesto and Santa Cruz, CA, always making more friends.  They returned to Idaho in 2005.

Ann was predeceased by her parents; siblings: brother, Dr. Fayne Oberst, and sister, Jean O. Beaver.  She is survived by her husband, Don; children and their spouses; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Ken Keim (Priscilla) of Arizona, and her sister-in-law, Anne Keim DeBord of Payette, ID.

Ann gave us life, love, and laughter.  She was very much a woman of faith and on her last birthday, she gave us this advice to journey through life: “Be happy as you go along, be careful, and love the Lord.”  Ann’s kindness and acceptance of everyone she met makes our memories of her so sweet.  Until we meet again, we shall miss her love, her kindnesses, her bright smile and her laughter!

An event celebrating Ann’s life will be postponed until the time we can fully gather together to honor her.  In lieu of flowers, condolences may be shared on Ann’s webpage at www.AccentFuneral.com or memorials made to PEO Sisterhood of Nampa, Nampa Church of the Brethren or McHenry Mansion, Modesto, CA.

The world lost the physical presence of Celestia “Ann” Oberst Keim, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend on January 15, 2021.  She passed peacefully with family by her side.  Ann was born to Albert and Bertha Obertst in McPherson, Kansas in 1927.  It was during her 4 years at McPherson College that she met her husband, Don Keim.  They dated throughout those college years and married in June of 1949.  Her 71 year marriage to Don was rich and full as they raised their children: Beverly (Tony) Tomao of Modesto, CA; Patty (Gil) Sierra of Nampa and Dave (Mary Puccio) Keim of Meridian, ID.

Ann enjoyed an active membership in the Church of Brethren, memberships in PEO, Shakespeare Club and various bridge groups. She earned her Idaho teaching certificate in 1971 and began her productive and rewarding teaching career.  As a Home Economics and Science teacher at Nampa’s West Junior High she used not only her teaching skills but her kind and caring nature to train and nurture many young minds.  Her appreciation for learning and sharing knowledge was also evidenced by her work as a docent at the McHenry Mansion of Modesto, CA.  Our family home was always filled with the fruits of her homemaking talents and we will always enjoy the special knitting and sewing projects she gifted each of us throughout the years.  She doted on her family and passed along the special family recipes, a fondness for family games, and her favorite jokes. 

Having begun their married life in Nampa, Idaho, Ann and Don also lived in Modesto and Santa Cruz, CA, always making more friends.  They returned to Idaho in 2005.

Ann was predeceased by her parents; siblings: brother, Dr. Fayne Oberst, and sister, Jean O. Beaver.  She is survived by her husband, Don; children and their spouses; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Ken Keim (Priscilla) of Arizona, and her sister-in-law, Anne Keim DeBord of Payette, ID.

Ann gave us life, love, and laughter.  She was very much a woman of faith and on her last birthday, she gave us this advice to journey through life: “Be happy as you go along, be careful, and love the Lord.”  Ann’s kindness and acceptance of everyone she met makes our memories of her so sweet.  Until we meet again, we shall miss her love, her kindnesses, her bright smile and her laughter!

An event celebrating Ann’s life will be postponed until the time we can fully gather together to honor her.  In lieu of flowers, condolences may be shared on Ann’s webpage at www.AccentFuneral.com or memorials made to PEO Sisterhood of Nampa, Nampa Church of the Brethren or McHenry Mansion, Modesto, CA.

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