Keepes Funeral Home

04/13/2026

Gary married the love of his life, Nina Fern (Deffendall) Howard, on July 1, 1961, in Bridgeport, Illinois. Together, they shared sixty-three years of marriage centered around their family before her passing on May 11, 2025. Gary and Nina cherished their time together, especially their evening drives to Beall’s Woods State Park, where they enjoyed the beauty of nature...

View Gary D. Howard, Sr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/09/2026

Clayton had a deep passion for music and especially loved writing and performing rap songs. He found peace in the outdoors, spending time hunting arrowheads and mushrooms. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Growing up, Clayton loved playing baseball and was affectionately nicknamed “Wild Thing” by those who knew him best. Clayton will be remembered for his creativity, his love for music, the outdoors and the joy he brought to family and friends...

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04/08/2026

Alice will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished time with her family above all else. Alice was a dedicated auditor for shipping companies and took great pride in her work. She loved her cats who brought her joy. Alice also found joy in spending time with her dear friend, Christina Pierce. She will be missed by her family and friends...

View Alice Maureen Moore's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/05/2026

He is not here. He is risen.

On this Easter Sunday, we are reminded that even in the face of loss, death does not have the final word. The empty tomb stands as a promise of hope, renewal, and everlasting life.

Today, we also share in the joy of the resurrection and the peace it brings to all who believe.

May the light of the Risen Christ bring comfort to your heart and hope to your home this Easter.

He is risen indeed.

04/03/2026

we look to the cross.
A symbol of sacrifice, love, and the promise of eternal life.
May this reminder bring comfort to all who are carrying heavy hearts today.

04/02/2026

One Year Anniversaries can be a hard time for families that have lost a loved one. Please join us in holding these families close that have lost a loved one in April 2025.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord Is Near To The Brokenhearted.🙏❤️🙏❤️

03/31/2026

A beautiful reminder of faith and hope.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

At Keepes Funeral Home, we are honored to walk alongside families with faith, compassion, and care.

03/30/2026

Carrel loved her family very much and was always there for them. She never met a stranger and was quick to help anyone in need. In her free time, Carrel enjoyed being outside, taking care of her flowers and gardening. She also liked making crafts.

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03/29/2026

Hope will be remembered for her radiant smile and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone she met. She lived with humility and a natural ability to make others feel included and valued. Those who knew her understood how easy she was to love, and how deeply she loved in return. Hope brought light into the lives of others, making days brighter, hearts fuller, and burdens lighter simply by her presence. Above all, Hope was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Kennedy Laine Smith, whom she considered her greatest blessing. The love she had for her was evident in every part of her life. Hope was devoted to her work at The Well Daycare, and both the children and her colleagues held a special place in her heart. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

View Hope Elisabeth Lane's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/29/2026

🌿 Palm Sunday 🌿

Palm Sunday reminds us of the moment entered Jerusalem in humility, greeted with palm branches and praise.

He came not with power, but with peace… not to be served, but to serve.

As we begin this Holy Week, may we reflect on His sacrifice, His love, and the hope that carries us through even the hardest seasons.

Hosanna in the highest.

03/27/2026

Norma Louise Swain, 95, of Mount Camel, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at home surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 25, 1930, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, the daughter of Grant Kermit and Helen Fern (Peterson) McTaggart. Norma married Randall Swain on August 27, 1947, Mount Carmel and together they enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage before his passing on January 15, 2015.
Norma was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She took great pride in her three wonderful children and deeply treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. A faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Norma began serving at just fourteen years old, assisting her mother with Sunday School. Over the years, her dedication only grew; she served on the church board and held various leadership roles. She loved singing in the church from a young age and continued as a member of the choir for thirty years. She was also an active and committed member of the United Methodist Women. Even in her later years, Norma’s love for family and simple joys remained strong. When celebrating her 95th birthday, Norma chose to gather her loved ones for a July wiener roast, creating a warm and memorable time together.

The family encourages you to just dress casual and come as you are.

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03/26/2026

Krista Aaron, known lovingly by so many as "Gummy," passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on March 6, 1948, in Freeport, Illinois, and had been living in Grayville, Illinois.

Gummy was, above all else, a mom. A grandma. A great grandma. A best friend. She was the kind of person who gave you her honest ear whenever you needed it, whether you were ready to hear the truth or not. She was heartfelt and enthusiastic, with a sarcastic streak that could make you laugh until you cried. Honesty wasn't just something she valued; it was who she was, down to the bone. If you knew Krista, you knew exactly where you stood with her, and most people found themselves standing right in the middle of her enormous heart.

View Krista J. Aaron's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.