Mary Helen Keath

Mary Helen (Yrungaray) Keath, 86, of Independence, KS, joined her husband Norman and beloved family members that passed before her in heaven on June 7^th, 2023.

Mary was born on December 18^th, 1937, in Fresno, California to Juana Hernandez and Raymond Yrungaray. She was born into a large family as the fifth of seven daughters. She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was kind and loving and a cornerstone of her family.

Mary met Norman Keath, a sailor in the US Navy in Fresno, California. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 7^th, 1956. They were married 29 years until Norman’s passing in 1985. Mary and Norman enjoyed a fruitful marriage and were blessed with six children: Ronald, Wayne, Jerry, Rick, Bobby and Denise.

Mary and Norman moved from California to Virginia Beach, then to Elk City, Kansas, where they were long-time residents. Following Norman’s passing, Mary lived with and was cared for by her daughter Denise and Denise’s husband, Tim Baker for thirty-six years, the remainder of her life. Mary was the epitome of an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. She grew beautiful roses, loved to cook, clean, and care for her family. She quilted, sewed and decorated pillows. She once sewed the sweetest cherry-print mother-daughter dresses for her and Denise. She ironed Norman’s Navy uniform with so much love and skill it was said that she could starch pants until they stood by themselves. She was an integral part of her grandson Levi’s upbringing, often caring for him, because of this they shared a unique bond. Mary also loved to dance and was very active in the Catholic church.

Mary had an infectious smile, if you knew her, you know how warm her presence was. She found joy in simplicity, and she prioritized relationships. She cast a wide net of love over her family and the love was reciprocated, her family loved her deeply. Through this love she created a foundation for her family that will not crumble, her legacy will remain, although she is no longer with us in body, she is with us in spirit and will not be forgotten.

Mary was predeceased by her mother Juana Hernandez, father Raymond Yrungaray, sisters Lila Martinez, Celia Delfin, Carmen Garcia, Theresa Gonzales, great-grandson Chance Holt, and husband Norman Keath.

Mary is survived by her sisters Angie Yepez- Carrillo of San Jose, CA and Annie Alvarado of Fresno, CA.

Mary is also survived by her son Ronnie Keath of Virginia, granddaughter Courtney Midgett (Eddie); son Wayne Keath of Virginia, grandson Wayne Allen Keath, grandson Wayne Arthur Keath Jr, grandson Brian Keath (Angie), great grandchildren Darren, Caleb and Emily Keath; granddaughter Shelbie Christopher (Jeff), great grandchildren Collin and Ellie Christopher of Virginia; son Jerry Keath of Independence, Kansas; Richard Keath of Kansas, grandson Scott Keath, great-granddaughters Peyton and Kennedy; granddaughter Amy Keath, great-grandchildren Bailey, Brandy, Adam and Kaycie Price; granddaughter Ashley Townsley, great-grandchildren Alek Keath, Brianna, Caytia and Delanie Hammack; granddaughter Shannon Jones; grandson Sean Keath; son Raymond Keath of Independence, Kansas, granddaughter Jessica Cooley, great-grandchildren Jerry, Jesse, Jedidiah, Dorothy, Josiah and Jabel Cooley; granddaughter Daphanie Scott, great grandchildren Abigail Haupt and Noah Haupt; grandson Donlie Keath; granddaughters Jade and Sylvia Keath; daughter Denise Baker (Tim) of Independence, Kansas, grandson Levi Baker (Travis), and great-grandson Michael Baker of Overland Park, Kansas.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Friday, July 7^th at 10:00 am at Potts Chapel with inurnment immediately following at Mt. Hope Cemetery.