Thelma Keener

Thelma Keener, age 99, of Perry, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Lantern of Saybrook with her family at her side. She was born on September 20, 1923 in Osceola Mills, PA the daughter of Joseph and Bessie (Douglass) Swails. She married Walter K. Keener in Greenup KY on June 18, 1949. Thelma worked at the Rayon making nylon for parachutes for the war effort.  In later years she worked for various greenhouses and flower shops. She absolutely loved nature and could identify almost every wildflower she saw. She also loved traveling with her husband, Walter and made it to 48 out of 50 states and the high point of their travels was visiting the Arctic Circle. Thelma was a kind and loving person with a very giving heart and also enjoyed teaching Sunday School in her younger days at Perry United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter, Jane (David) Kroner; son, Kenneth (Sharon) Keener; grandchildren, Kerri (Morris) Beverage, Kelly (Timothy) Ayers; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Molly, Wynnie and Wade; sister-in-law, Lois Swails; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter K. Keener; siblings, John (Betty) Swails, Russell Swails, Joe (Sue) Swails, Florence (Bill) Fogleson, Dorothy (Bernie) Johnson, Sarah (Glenn) Fleming and Edith (Wayne) Adams. Friends will be received 12-1 pm, Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison with a Service immediately following at 1 pm at the Funeral Home. Final Resting Place will be Lane Road Cemetery in Perry. Contributions may be made in Thelma’s name to the Perry Historical Society, 3885 Main St, Perry, OH 44081. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com