Mary Jane Keffer

Mary Jane Keffer, 95, of Dayton and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away September 23, 2015 in Elmcroft Assisted Living in Miamisburg, O. following a brief period of declining health.

Born in New Philadelphia on March 20, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Aaron Benjamin and Bessie Lucille (Gowins) Keffer. Mary Jane was a 1938 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and continued her education at the Eastern Nazarene College and Kent State University.

She was a lifelong educator, having taught in the New Philadelphia Schools until her retirement in 1979. Much of her talent was shared with 5th grade students at South Elementary.

Mary Jane’s faith was nurtured at the First Church of the Nazarene at New Philadelphia, where she served on the church board and was active with the Sunday School classes and the Missionary Society. She was also a member of the Martha’s Quilters and a life member of the College Club.

Mary Jane’s family includes her sister, V. Ruth Brank of Toledo; sister-in-law, Carolyn Keffer Kohler in Findlay, O.; 5 nieces; 1 nephew; and 8 great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her brother, Richard B. Keffer; her sister, Anna Mae Ladd; and 1 nephew.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the First Church of the Nazarene. A service celebrating her life will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. A meal will follow the committal service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions in Mary Jane’s memory may be directed to either Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66220 or Partners In Health, PO Box 845578, Boston, MA 02284-5578.