Deo Marie Keil

Deo Marie Keil, 79, died at home surrounded by family Sept. 26, 2011, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. A longtime Alaskan, she had lived in Montana for several years, but decided to move back to Alaska in 2005 so she could be closer to family. She spent the last six years in Palmer, living with her daughter, Beverly, and was loved by all who knew her.

Deo was born Aug. 15, 1932, in Shelby, Mont. She was the youngest of three children born to Nels and Ida Nelson. Deo came from a musical family and played violin and piano, and she and her siblings were frequent performers.

Deo married Glen D. Keil Sr. on April 9, 1950. Together they raised seven children in three different states, finally settling in Alaska in 1971, where they enjoyed hunting, fishing and exploring the great state they loved so well.

Deo’s family was extremely important to her, and she loved keeping in touch. In fact, she was a regular on Facebook and enjoyed sharing news and funnies with her family and friends. Deo was a mom to more than just her birth-children; the Valley is full of those who call her their second mom. Deo had a great sense of humor, and could always be counted on to share a funny story or enjoy a silly joke.

In addition to her musical talents, Deo was an amazing cook and very talented with her hands. Deo’s potato salad is the stuff of legend, and the pies she made never lasted long. She also created beautiful sewn handicrafts for family and friends.

Deo’s strong, quiet faith sustained and strengthened her throughout life’s ordeals. She truly walked the walk, and set an example for her children as well as the many friends and acquaintances that happened to come and go during the course of her life. Many times her quiet presence was sufficient for those around her who needed guidance.

Preceding her in death was her sister, Mercedes; son Glen Jr., and husband, Glen Sr.

Surviving are her daughters Beverly DuBos and Eileen Probasco, son-in-law Peter Probasco, and daughter-in-law Peggy Keil of Palmer; daughter Jenny Keil of Homer; daughter Barbara Arend of Poulsbo, Wash.; son Brian Keil and daughter-in-law Trudie Keil of North Bend, Wash.; daughter Jessica Mannion and son-in-law Sean Mannion of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services are at 1 p.m., Oct. 1 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Palmer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local Hospice organizations.