Mary Lee Keith was born March 2, 1950 at Lewistown, Montana, the daughter of LeRoy O. and Mary Lucille (Bishop) Umstead. She moved to the area in 1984. For 12 years, she worked as the office manager at the former Big Bear. She then worked at O'Reilly Auto Parts for 7 years before retiring. She was a member of the Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison, Iowa. She loved doing crafts, painting, needle work, playing on the computer and gardening.

At 60 years of age, Mary died at 2:55 PM Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Lexington Square, Keokuk, Iowa. She was survived by two daughters: Pamella Ann (husband "Rocky" Merlin Jr.) Boyd, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Melinda Kaye Keith,of Fort Madison, Iowa; one son: Robert Lee "Bert" (wife Diana) Keith, of the Glendale Heights, Illinois; three brothers: Dean (wife Cheryl) Walrod, of Hamilton, Montana; Charles James (wife Carol) Walrod, of Opportunity, Montana; Patrick (wife Marilyn) Umstead, of Roundup, Montana; four sisters: Delores Terpstra, of Billings, Montana; Kathleen (husband Gerald) LaFountain, of Billings, Montana; Suzanna (husband Les) LaFountain, of Billings, Montana; Deborah (husband Doug) Griffin, of Grass Range, Montana; three grandchildren: Alexis and Travis Boyd, and Daniel Keith; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister: Shirley Lenning and two grandsons: Nicholas Boyd and Jordan Boyd.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Monday evening. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at the Ss. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, Holy Family Parish, with Reverend David Wilkening, Reverend Mark Spring and Reverend Troy Richmond, as concelebrants. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for KDME Divine Mercy Radio, contributions may be made at the church or the Barr Memorial Chapel. Online condolences to the Keith Family may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel website, www.barrmemorialchapel.com .