Lois Evelyn Keck
September 22, 1925 – February 16, 2016
Our beloved mother, Lois Evelyn (Repp, Grieb) Keck of Moses Lake, Wash. went home to be with Jesus, surrounded by several generations of her family, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. She was 90 years old in body but still very young at heart.
Mom was born in Brinsmade, N.D. on Sept. 22, 1925 to Lawrence and Marjorie (Stewart) Repp. As a young child, her family moved to Fort Wayne, Ind. where she resided until age 16. Her family then moved to Redondo Beach, Calif. where her father started a TV repair business. Remember when they actually use to repair things? Later, she made her way to Washington state where at age 20 she met our father, George Lester Grieb upon his return from completing his military service. They quickly fell in love and were married in Longview, Wash. on July 20, 1946 in a blistering heat as she often would tell us how her candles melted before they hardly began the ceremony. Together, they became the loving parents of six children.
As a young woman during World War II, Mom worked at Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles, Calif. as a Rosie-the-Riveter. She was very proud of her contribution to the war effort, telling her stories to many captive audiences of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Often putting her adventures in life to pen and paper for future generations to enjoy.
An active church member for many years, she loved our Lord. Finding joy in worshiping him with her beautiful singing voice and often shared it with her fellow believers. Her daughters often joined in as they were growing up.
Mom was a skilled artist, which included sewing, ceramics, writing and oil painting. She often shared her talent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many who continue to this day honing the skills taught to them.
She was an active and dedicated member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) WA #1314 for many years and enjoyed fun times with her fellow members. Continuing to enjoy going each week even though she could hardly hear the last few years, she still loved being with her friends.
After the death of her beloved husband, George, in 1974, Mom began her college education at Big Bend Community College. Shortly thereafter, she reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, Robert Vernon Keck Sr. from Fort Wayne, Ind. They were married Febr. 11, 1979, which added six more children to her family. Twenty-three years later, at age 78, Mom returned to Big Bend Community College to continue her education. In 2006, at age 80 years old, she and her 18-year-old grandson, David Doerr, graduated with honors from Big Bend Community College, both receiving their AA degrees.
Mom was an avid Seattle Seahawk fan. Her hair was styled once a week by her stylist granddaughter, Marchelle Daley, who topped off the finished style with streaks of Seahawk green and blue, which she wore as a badge of honor. She got together with family for every game to cheer the Hawks on. Win or lose didn’t matter, they were her boys.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents, husbands George Grieb and Robert Keck, Sr.; two brothers Clinton and Harry Repp; sister June Biegler; sons-in-law John Bishop and Skip Hamilton; daughter-in-law Cally Grieb; grandsons Gordon Bishop and Daniel Grieb; and granddaughters Angelica Doerr and Danielle Keck.
Mom is survived by her sister Eleanor (Alpin) Kaler of Palm Springs, Calif.; children, Carla Hamilton of Moses Lake, Wash., Craig (Franca) Grieb of Milton Freewater, Ore., Thomas (Kathleen) Grieb of Spokane, Wash., Lisa (Steve) Doerr of Moses Lake, Wash., Julie (Charles) Carvo of Moses Lake, Wash., Jason Grieb of Spokane, Wash.; stepsons Robert Keck, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Ind., Paul and Patrick Keck of Moses Lake, Wash.; 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren (and three on the way), numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Skeeter.
A memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m., March 12, 2016 at Moses Lake Alliance Church, reception following. Pastor Kent Copley will officiate the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her life and the family would love to hear any stories or anecdotes you’d like to share with us about our Mom. The family would also like to thank her caregiver of eight years, our sister, Lisa Doerr, the Moses Lake Alliance church members who rushed to her aid, Moses Lake Police Department, Moses Lake EMTs, and Samaritan Hospital and Sacred Heart Medical Center staff for their efforts, care and dedication.
We also would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Pioneer Memorial Services and everyone who offered their support and prayers through this difficult time.
We love you Mama, say hello to Daddy for us and tell Papa to keep it under 100.