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Evana Marie Keener, 84, of Butler, Indiana, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, at Parkview DeKalb Hospital, Auburn, Indiana. Evana was born May 31, 1939, in Auburn, daughter of the late Lawrence J. and Roberta J. (Charleswood) Lee. She graduated from high school in 1957, and married Jerry L. Keener on February 1, 1957, in Whitley County, Indiana, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2009. Evana took some college courses in electronics and television repair, and graduated from cosmetology school, going on to work as a beautician. For most of her career, Evana was a homemaker, but also spent some time working at the Messenger Corporation and Shinabery’s Store. She was a member of the former Newville United Methodist Church. Evana loved Tom Sellek and watching Gunsmoke, reading mystery books, playing cards, and working on her family genealogy. She also loved coffee, Symphony chocolate bars, Dari Delite, and the Pioneer Woman cookbooks.
Evana will be remembered as being a good helper to everyone, including strangers; for having a great sense of humor; and for being a good cook and talented baker, with potatoes and rivels, peanut clusters, pecan pie, and her grandma Charleswood’s chocolate cookies being some of her specialties. She will be deeply missed by her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – every year, Evana would plan a “special day” specific to each grandchild, taking them shopping and out to eat. She was also great at always remembering people’s birthdays and anniversaries. She was intentional with her time, and loved being with her family.
She is survived by her three children, Debbie (Danny) Hammer of St. Louis, Missouri, Vicki (Mark) Eckert of McCordsville, Indiana, and Rick Keener of Butler, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Nathaniel (Courtney) Hammer, Matthew (Emily) Hammer, Shea (Daryl) Emowrey, Brett Eckert, Molly Eckert, Ashley (Zac) Smith, Heath (Emily) Keener, Colton Keener, and Morgan (Beau) Fulk; 11 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Danny Boren and Clara (Arkie) Haiflich, both of Auburn; and close friends, Kim Scott, Darlene Myer, and Tona Shinabery. Evana was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents who raised her, Burdett and Faye Charleswood; by her parents; by her husband, Jerry; and by a sister, Judy Freeman.
In honoring Evana’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, Ohio 43526.
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which was a charity near and dear to Evana’s heart, and one she frequently supported.
Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.