Raymond Lee Keffer

Raymond Lee Keffer, age 80, of Midvale, died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 22, 2011, in Union Hospital at Dover.A son of the late Lloyd and Myrtle Barnes Keffer, Ray, as he was known to family and friends, was born at Uhrichsville on July 22, 1930, and attended the former Uhrichsville High School.For more than 40 years, Ray worked in the area coal mines having retired from the former Midvale Coal Company and later returning to the industry as an employee of the Consolidated Cole Company at Cadiz for more than 25 years.He was an avid animal lover who continually enjoyed caring for not only his indoor and outdoor pets, but thoroughly looked forward to watching the area wildlife come to his backyard on a daily basis to feed on the food he would leave for them. He was also an accomplished handyman who could fix or build just about any item he was challenged with. Additionally, he looked forward to the time spent in his workshop where he made many bird houses for his family and friends.As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ray had spent the past three years caring for his wife, the former Luetta White, whom he married on August 5, 1964. Taking care of the daily household chores and family meals were tasks he lovingly tended to. Furthermore, the couple enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual guidance received as they attended the New Life Ministries Church at Barnhill.In addition to his wife, Luetta, he will be missed by his family which includes six children, Randi May of New Philadelphia, Shelley Koerber of Midvale, Jamie Keffer of Uhrichsville, Patty (Andy) Yoder of Baltic, Tim (Barb) Edwards of New Philadelphia and Mike Edwards of Johnson City, Tennessee; and a sister, Mildred “Miki” Natoli of Uhrichsville. Completing the family are 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three expectant great-grandchildren, three nieces, and three nephews.In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by an infant brother, Bobby Dean Keffer. No public visitation or services are planned. Cremation care will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover.