Obituary – Joyce M. McKeague,
Joyce M. McKeague, 90, formerly of Castanea passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024 at SpiriTrust Lutheran Home, York, PA.
Born February 19, 1933 in Liberty, PA, she was a daughter of the late Follmer and Margaret (Beck) Artley. She grew up on a farm with fond memories of horse-drawn sleigh rides to her one-room schoolhouse, maple syrup from neighboring Raker’s Sugar Bush, working as a waitress at Fry Brother’s Turkey Ranch, and the first time electricity was used to power lights on the family Christmas tree.
After graduating from Liberty High School, she completed nursing school at Williamsport Hospital and worked briefly in the operating room there as well as Lock Haven Hospital before raising her family. On June 24, 1961, she married Harry L. McKeague with whom she shared 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. Joyce was later employed as a visiting nurse with Community Nursing and also did some work with home hospice. She was a member of Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church, Mill Hall and a former member of First United Methodist Church in Lock Haven. In both churches she was an active member in the choir, nursery, welcome committee and various women’s social groups.
She enjoyed gardening, flowers and baking (especially for her grandchildren), country music (especially Statler Brothers, Marty Robbins and John Denver) and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her sons, Karl T. (Sunee) McKeague of Cottage Grove, MN and Mark A. (Eileen) McKeague of York; daughter, Laura J. (Christopher) Bowe of North Andover, MA; eight grandchildren: Ryan, Gwynneth, Sean, Erynn, Kara, Kathleen, Maggie and Tyler; and sisters-in-law Helen Artley of LA and Anna McKeague of Williamsport.
Along with her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her family members, Francis Artley, Lois and Howard Fry, Marvin and Esther McKeague and Lewis McKeague.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 1-2 PM followed by the funeral service at 2 PM at Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church, 37 Cedar Heights, Mill Hall, PA 17751 with Rev. Scott Garman officiating. Interment will be at Dunnstown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to Community Nursing Service of Clinton County or Cedar Heights Brethren in Christ Church c/o Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High Street, Flemington, PA 17745. Online condolences may be given by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
