Kathy Joanne Keele, 71, passed away at IU Ball Memorial Hospital on April 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  Kathy was born on March 15, 1955, to Joseph and Myrtle (Batten) Rector in Hartford City, Indiana.

She is a graduate of Wes Del High School in Gaston, Indiana.  Following graduation, she met her best friend and the love of her life, James Keele, at the home of a mutual friend.  While both James and Kathy said they never wanted to get married, seven months later, that changed.   She was married to James for fifty-one beautiful years.

Kathy was a kind-hearted, generous woman who was known for her love of maintaining her yard, including taking care of the grass, gardening, and having a love for flowers.  Kathy also had a love for animals, especially her fur baby, George, the dog.  She was a great cook who was famous at James’ work for her chocolate turtles, which he would sell to his fellow employees, and they always sold out in minutes.

She is survived by her husband, James Keele Sr., two sons, Jason Keele and James Keele Jr. (Jessica), her siblings Ron Rector, Linda Estep, Madeline Meadows, Brad Rector (Bonnie), numerous nieces and nephews, and her fur baby, George.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Larry Rector and Don Rector.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 12:30 PM, at Parson Mortuary of Muncie.  Visitation will be from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  Burial will follow at Thompson Cemetery in Gaston.  Pastor Rusty Clements will officiate.