Obituary: Keeler, Genevieve Louise “Genny”
She grew up in Wakefield, MA, graduating from high school as Salutatorian of her class of 1945.
She continued her education at the University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science/RN degree.
Genny married Walter Sanford Hyler in June of 1950 and moved to Columbus, OH.
There she worked in pediatric isolation intensive care units.
Between 1951 and 1956, she and Walter had three children: Kristine Lynn, Amy Wharf, and John Hyler.
In 1963 she returned to nursing, working in pediatric intensive care.
In 1974, life circumstances led to a move to Havre, MT, to work in the pediatric unit of Northern Montana Hospital.
After about four years in Havre, she moved to Medford, OR working again in the pediatric unit of the local hospital.
While living in Medford, Genny met Charles “Chuck” Keeler, who became her second husband.
They subsequently relocated to Portland, OR.
While living in the suburbs of Portland, she worked in the pediatric division of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA).
She also found great satisfaction from involvement in church work, first and second grade reading tutoring, choral singing, and of course, gardening.
Throughout her life she also had a great appreciation of music, especially classical music.
As Chuck’s career unfolded, several moves occurred, finishing with Chuck’s retirement from the First National Bank and Trust in Williston, ND.
With retirement, Genny and Chuck moved to Deer Park, WA.
In Deer Park, Genny became involved in community life by joining the Deer Park Planning Board and the Airport and Library Boards.
She and Chuck were active members of the Deer Park Open Door Congregational Church, with Genny serving as a trustee, member of the worship committee and the women’s group, and landscaper of the garden around the church.
During this retirement period, Chuck developed Alzheimer’s disease and died.
Genny then made the decision to relocate to Rockwood Hawthorne in 2006.
While living at Rockwood, she dedicated her time to the Rockwood Foundation Committee and Board, the Rockwood Foundation Investment Advisory Committee, various residents’ committees, and volunteer landscaping around the Rockwood facility.
A wonderful last gift to a rich life was her relationship with her beloved companion, Hugh Johnston.
Genny is survived by daughters Kris Lynn and Amy Wharf, son John Hyler, their spouses, extended family, and many dear friends.
Genny and the family would like to welcome all to a joyful remembrance of her life.
Her memorial service will be held in the Rockwood Hawthorne main dining room on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, any gifts can be made to the Rockwood Hawthorne Resident’s Assistance Endowment Fund and can be sent to: Rockwood Hawthorne, c/o Brusan Wells, Director of Development, 101 E. Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99218.