Judith Lynne Keith, 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Overland Park, KS, on May 29, 2014. She was surrounded by her loving family. Judith (Judy) was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1938, the first child of Charles and May Carlberg. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill. Judy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Brian. Despite his own recent bout with cancer, Brian found the strength to care for Judy throughout her long illness, just as she had cared for him. Judy is also survived by her 3 children and their spouses, Dan and Melanie of Eugene, OR, Todd and Gerri of Overland Park, KS and Amy and Rich of Hays, KS. Judy is also survived by her brother Scott and his wife Lynda of Charlotte, NC, her brother Bill's wife Cheryl of Prairie Village, KS and Brian's sister Colleen of Gillete, WY, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will remember her fondly. Judy leaves 5 grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud of: Natalie, Indi, Alec, Niki and Joshua. Judy and Brian were 30 year residents of Overland Park, KS, having previously lived in Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois and Michigan, after being born and raised in Chicago. In addition to being a dedicated and loving wife to Brian and mother to Dan, Todd and Amy, Judy was also exceptional at whatever else she chose to do, whether it be her many crafts and art projects in her younger days, her many wonderful recipes which she meticulously documented and passed on, her "garaging" for her children and grandchildren or her gardening. As a young woman, Judy developed a passion and talent for gardening, which she eventually turned into a long and successful career. She enjoyed working at Suburban Lawn and Garden of Overland Park, KS for nearly 30 years, where she was loved and respected by her customers, coworkers and employers for her knowledge, helpfulness and kindness. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. A private inurnment ceremony will take place the following day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made in Judy's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Life! we've been long together
Through pleasant and through cloudy weather;
Tis hard to part when friends are dear,—
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear.
Then steal away, give little warning.
Choose thine own time,
Say not "Good-night," but in some brighter clime,
Bid me "Good-morning."