Mildred Ellen Keener

Mildred Ellen (McElfresh) Keener of Beavercreek went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2019. She was born in Fairmont, WV on February 13, 1936 to Lawrence and Shirley McElfresh. On March 11, 1954 she married the love of her life, John Keener. They were able to celebrate 65 years of marriage shortly before he passed away earlier this year.

During her life, Mildred had several jobs including working at a dry cleaner, being a Church secretary and being a Federal employee for many years.

But her job didn't define her… what REALLY defined Mildred was her zest for life and her love of people! She was constantly volunteering – everything from being on Church committees to watching the nursery to being a Girl Scout leader to teaching CPR to helping the homeless. One of her favorite volunteer activities was being a clown! She was involved in a Christian clown ministry and often visited Childrens' Hospital to bring smiles there. She was even able to participate in a few skits with other clowns at the Shrine Circus in Dayton.

Mildred also had a great sense of adventure! She and John loved to travel and were able to visit places all over Europe and throughout the United States. While they lived in Europe, they were able to visit the Holy Land. That trip was a favorite memory of hers for years to come! She also loved to reminisce about traveling throughout Europe in the family's Volkswagen camper.

Once back in the States, Mildred and John kept on traveling. They traded up from the Volkswagen to a truck camper and then a travel trailer. Even though they usually traveled together, Mildred was not afraid to strike out for a trip on her own when John wasn't available. Upon retirement they bought a motor home and crisscrossed the country. Their travels took them to most of the Continental United States and Alaska. They created more memories by often taking along their grandchildren to share their adventures.

Mildred is survived by her children: Kathy (Doug) Cleveland , Patty (Ron) Frankson, Jon, and Mark (Michelle). Also surviving are grandchildren: Bill and Amanda Cleveland, John Curtis Keener, Keri Rocha, Katie Lozano, Hannah and Tess Keener and their mother, Anne Keener; great-grandchildren Adrian Gilchrist, Jonathan Keener, Kaylee and Karlie Rocha, Lexie and Logan Lozano; and sister Evelyn (Billie) West and brother-in-law Jim (Hilde) Keener. While everyone is saddened by her passing, they are all happy that she is once again with her beloved John and with her Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Aley United Methodist Women (4143 Kemp Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45431) or the Schneider House of Hope (124 S. Detroit St., Xenia, OH 45385).

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