Shirley M. Keene

Shirley M. Keene, age 98 of Denmark Township, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, February 27, 2026.

Shirley Mae, the daughter of Lawrence and Hattie (Partridge) Niederkorn, was born in Hastings on March 12, 1927. Following her graduation from Hastings High School as Homecoming Queen with the class of 1945, Shirley was united in marriage to Wayne "Buck" Keene at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hastings on June 12, 1947. Shirley briefly worked at Reissner's Meats and Carpenter Nature Center prior to becoming the head cook at Afton Alps for many years. As a born and raised city gal, she and Buck also successfully managed working side-by-side on all aspects of farm life, and were fortunate to see the farm still in the family today. Shirley loved quilting, China and doll painting, baking, and was also a passionate doll collector. She and Buck also enjoyed their retirement wintering and golfing in Arizona where Shirley even shot a hole in one. Shirley was a longtime member of the St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Denmark Township and later St. Luke's Episcopal in Hastings.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Buck; siblings, Lawrence "Son", Earl, Arthur "Buzz", Lorraine, Valzora "Peach", and Marjorie; and by her beloved cat, Siam.

Shirley is survived by her children, John (Barb) Keene, Marsha Keene, Jeff (Nancy) Keene, and Cindy (Steve) Anderson; grandchildren, Rob (Anna) Judge, Todd (Natalie) Judge, Jason (Ashlee) Judge, Katie (Bill) Chaffin, Angela (Ryan) Brown, Suzy Sawyer, and Nick (Natalia) Keene; eleven great grandchildren; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Rev. Bob Langenfeld officiating. Interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and to a reception that will immediately follow the service, all at the funeral home on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley's family requests memorials be made to the donor's choice in her memory.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.