Doris L. Keefer

Doris Lovina Keefer

Doris Lovina Keefer passed away on Friday July 23, 2021, at the age of 75 years. Doris will be lovingly remembered by her birth daughter, Barbara; her sons, Brian (Meredith) and Dale (Aimee); and eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, David, Annemarie, Cameron, Wesley, Miles, Mason, and Bennett. She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Luke, and her brothers, Jay Wilmer, John, and Irvin.

Doris was born January 16, 1946, in Lancaster County PA to Harvey and Lydia Newswanger Bowman, graduated from Messiah College, and married Luke Keefer, Jr, of Millersburg PA in 1974. The family moved to Ashland, OH in 1987, where they were members of the Ashland Brethren in Christ Church for many years. Doris reconnected with her birth daughter, Barbara, in 1996. After Luke’s passing in 2010, she returned to Harrisburg, PA to be closer to family and friends, and spent her last few years at Messiah Lifeways.

Doris was a homemaker, an organizer, a gracious host, a helper to many, and life-long learner. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, board games, knitting, and time with her family and friends. She was generous with her time and finances and volunteered to many worthy causes.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:00am at the Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church, 2217 Derry St, Harrisburg PA. Friends may call an hour before the service from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment will be in the family plot in the Free Grace BIC Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: BIC World Missions, BIC Historical Society, Disciple Makers, or the Ashland Theological Seminary Luke Keefer Jr Endowed Scholarship 910 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805.

The family wishes to thank her sister-in-law Nancy Prowell, and her dear friends, Karen Deyhle, Janna Books, Nancy Busch, Nancy Benson, Faithe Zercher, and Barb Stansfield, for their loving care and companionship as she struggled with Parkinson’s. Thanks also to her church family, and the staff at Messiah Lifeways. Doris was, as she often said, very blessed. Praise be to God.

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