Celebrating Ivalee Keen

Ivalee Keen wore many "hats" throughout her life.  I most remember her as my aunt but that alone wasn't enough for her; she was my friend.  I spent a lot of time with her growing up especially in the summers since she was a teacher she had the summers off and so my brother and I visited her frequently and from time to time would play with my cousin.  Ivalee loved to craft . . . jewelry, hair bows, ornaments, scrapbooks and many more than I can think of.  She also liked to bake and bake and bake.  She had this fantastic way of making the most out of every occasion and holiday.  Traveling was her passion and I know she would have made many more trips had her health been better.

I really feel like I became the closest to Ivalee when I began pursuing a career in teaching.  We were able to connect on such a different level and I learned a lot from her.  She even visited my class the first year I taught and gave a presentation on Mexico to my 5th graders.

Most of all, Ivalee loved her family.  Her daughter, Bonnie, grandkids, Leeandra and Noah, siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many more all felt her love.  She was genuine and passionate about making everything special.  I will miss Ivalee but I am sure we will meet again in heaven.