Val Jean M. McKeever Obituary (1938 - 2016)

Val Jean McKeever, loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 2,2016. Val Jean was born at home to William J. and Veola Bednar on September 29, 1938. She attended Lower Sicily School District # 77, Wymore, NE. She was involved in Sicily Homemakers 4-H. Val Jean graduated from Wymore High School in May of 1955. She attended Peru State College for two years, and then transferred to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. In May of 1960 she graduated with a degree in Vocational Home Economics. In June, 1960 she married her lifelong companion and husband Ernest McKeever. Val Jean started her teaching career that fall at Wymore High School as the home economics teacher. She then took a few years away teaching to raise her family of two boys and two girls. She returned to teaching at Filley Schools. Val Jean served as a sponsor for FHA/FCCLA, and cheerleading/pep club. Val Jean taught for more than 30 years. Her retirement in 1998 allowed her to continue as a substitute teacher until 2015. She loved being around children and helping them learn. Val Jean's greatest treasure was the friendships with other members of various organizations. She enjoyed Masonic and Shriner activities, including the Firemen. She was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Violet Chapter 105 and Vesper Chapter 9. Val Jean served as Worthy Matron several times. She was also Bethel Guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel #31 of Beatrice, NE. She was active in the Wymore Area Jaycees. She served multiple offices and was Outstanding Mrs. Jaycee in 1970. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter Q in Wymore and enjoyed the monthly devotions. As a current member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice, she was treasurer of Presbyterian Woman's group, an ordained Deacon, and elected elder. In 2010, Ernie and Val Jean celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends at their home. In March of 2015, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her amazing strength and courage was an inspiration through her battle. She hoped that all who were associated with her know how much she appreciated their efforts and kindness. She enjoyed attending the activities and supporting her grandchildren in their events. They have been so blessed to have such a caring, thoughtful, and loving grandmother. She will forever be in their hearts. Left to cherish her memories is her husband, Ernest, and children, John (Carmen) of Wymore, Sara (Dan) of Cortland, Valerie (Randy) of Lincoln, all of Nebraska, and Lyndon (Jenny) of Olathe, Kansas. Grandchildren include Caleb (Lindsey), and Jared McKeever, of Wymore, Benjamin and Garrett Hier of Cortland, all of NE., and Grant and Michael McKeever of Olathe, KS. Step-grandchildren include Crystal (Billy) Kaster, Jennifer Hier, and Randy Wayne, Jr. (Jenni) Barnhart. Sister, Kathleen (Ron) Reeves, of Fremont, and brother, Oren (Kathy) Bednar of Wymore; Sister-in-law Barbara Bednar of Ozark, MO.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Veola Bednar , her brothers William E. (2002), Richard (2002), and Lyman (1995), sister-in-laws Mary Bednar (2015) and Judith Bednar (1990), step-grandson Matthew Barnhart (2014), niece Susan Reeves Betten (2008), and nephew Thomas Bednar (2012). Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice with Rev. Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. Interment will be in the Wymore Cemetery. The body will lie in state Thursday from 6-9, Friday from 9-9:00 at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore with the family greeting friends from 6:30-8:00, and at the church one hour preceding the funeral on Saturday. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 AM Saturday at the church. A memorial has been established to the UNL- Omaha Medical Center, First Presbyterian Church Women, and the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. Sign her online guest book and view her video tribute after completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.