Elizabeth S. "Betty" (Stauffer) Keefer

Elizabeth S. “Betty” Keefer, age 85, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12. Born in Lancaster, PA, Betty was a graduate of Kennett High School and attended West Chester State College, where she majored in music.

After high school, Betty worked as a bank teller for the Bank of Delaware, where she met her husband, Curtis. While raising their children, she was a teacher’s aide at several schools in the Stanton School District. Betty also worked as a secretary at CIGNA Life Insurance Company for several years.

In addition, Betty spent many years working as the Financial Secretary for Limestone Presbyterian Church where she and her husband were longtime members. She also played the piano and organ for their choir and church services.

Music played an important part in Betty’s life. She was an accomplished pianist and played the bass fiddle. Betty always had music playing in the house and particularly loved listening to Broadway show tunes. Her favorite TV show was the Lawrence Welk Show.

Betty will be remembered most for her love of family, which was the center of her life. Her family treasures the many gatherings that she made so special with her good cooking, especially her apple and pumpkin pies. Christmas night will never be the same without her tradition of playing the piano while everyone gathered around to sing. Betty loved the beach. Through the years, many happy times were spent for two weeks in the summer at Wildwood.

In her spare time, Betty enjoyed knitting. She made beautiful baby blankets and sweaters for family and friends, and hats for newborn babies at local hospitals. She also lovingly knitted Christmas stockings for her children, their spouses, and all of her grandchildren. Betty was an avid Phillies fan and enjoyed listening to and watching the games.

Betty was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Curtis J. Keefer. She is survived by her sons, David C. Keefer (Ann Marie) and Philip D. Keefer (DeeJay Kingery); her daughters, Susan E. Scott (Brian) and Diane N. Wallen (Craig); her grandchildren, Matthew Keefer; Laura, Tracy and Christopher Scott; Andria, Jennifer and Hunter Wallen; and Layton and Logan Keefer, as well as her former daughter-in-law, Wendy Keefer.

A viewing and service will be held on Tuesday, May 17, at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 1980. The viewing will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of Betty’s life at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery and Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 240 N. James St., Newport, DE 19804.

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