Alice M. Keech

Keech, Alice M., 90, passed away August 13, 2011. Alice, the youngest daughter of Alta and Edgar Crippen, was born and raised in Wichita. She graduated from East High School and Wichita University, majoring in English with a minor in Latin. Alice married Elmer V. Keech following his return from service in World War II. After Elmer obtained his engineering degree from Kansas State University in 1949, they returned to Wichita. Elmer spent his entire career as an engineer for Boeing and Alice was a homemaker for Elmer and their two daughters. Elmers assignments for Boeing took him to several locations in the United States and a three-year assignment in Europe and North Africa. Alice and the whole family took full advantage of the opportunity to see the sights from Scotland to Egypt and many, many points between. Alice looked back on this time with great fondness throughout the rest of her life. Upon their return from Europe, Alice resumed very active participation at College Hill United Methodist Church, which continued for most of the rest of her life. She expended tireless efforts in the United Methodist Women, the church quilting society, and she and Elmer were original members of the Architects Sunday School class. A talented seamstress, she sewed many of her daughters clothes, including their wedding dresses and several bridesmaids dresses. She was an avid bridge player and belonged to two bridge clubs most of her adult life. The foremost focus of her life was her family. Alice enjoyed preparing large meals, including her famous rolls, for her entire family. In the last 8 years of her life, Alice fought through several physical challenges and made the best of every situation. Alice is survived by her husband, Elmer, of Wichita; her daughters, Marilyn Bean (Robert) of Lawrence, Kansas; and Pam Harnden, (Ron) of Wichita. She has five grandchildren: David Bean (Cheryl), Jennifer Bean, Aaron Harnden, Emily Harnden Lytle (Tony), and Eric Harnden and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Austin Bean. Alices memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., August 19, 2011, at College Hill United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67214.