Loretta Lucille (Kinder) Keeney

Loretta Lucille Keeney of St. James passed away at her home in St. James on February 15, 2021. She was 85 years of age.

She was born July 24, 1935, at Anutt, Mo, the daughter of the late Coy and Lucille Sturgeon Kinder.

On January 6, 1966, she was united in marriage to Fred Keeney in St. James, MO. He entered into rest on November 9, 1996.

Survivors are three sons: Steve Keeney and his wife Lisa of Lexington, Kentucky, Dave Keeney and his wife Pam of St. James, MO, and John Keeney and his wife Jill of St. James and one sister Ruby Venezia of Long Island, New York, along with 6 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Fred Howard Keeney in 1980 and one brother Vernon Kinder.

Loretta graduated from Rolla High School in 1953, after graduation she attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. She studied elementary education and graduated in 1955. She taught in Flag Springs in a two-room schoolhouse from 1955 to 1960. In 1960, Loretta began teaching in St. James at Lucy Wortham James Elementary. She first taught 6th grade for several years before moving to 5th grade. In 1978, she completed her master's degree from Drury University. Loretta taught in the classroom until 1983, then became principal for the elementary. She was the first woman principal at LWJE.

After 40 years in the education field, Loretta retired in 1996, enjoying traveling and golfing.  Loretta's passion was playing golf; she served many years on the golf course board as secretary and president. She played golf up until 2019 when she finally had to give it up.

Loretta Keeney will lie in state from 3-8 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

Graveside Funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 22, 2021, at the St. James Cemetery with Alan Wynn Officiating. Pallbearers will be John Keeney, Zane Keeney, Seth Keeney, Tom Beezley, Terry Gordon, and Charlie Romine. Memorials may be given to the Loretta Keeney Teaching Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of St. James, MO.

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