Karen Sue Keeton, age 80, of Fairfield, Ca, passed away at 10:03 pm on Thursday March 6, 2025 at Marigold Nursing Home in Galesburg, Illinois. Sue was born on May 18, 1944 in Fairfield, California and is the daughter of Wayland Henry and Opal Mae Banks Shiflet. Sue attended Armijo High School in Fairfield, California then went on to graduate in Journalism at Vallejo Jr. College. Sue married Dean Ray Keeton on September 10, 1966 in Fairfield, California. Sue began and worked briefly where she had her own column at the Daily Republic Newspaper in Fairfield, California. She was an active member and Sunday School Teacher at Calvary Baptist Church, also in Fairfield. Sue operated a day care center in her home for 15 years and later was a caretaker for the elderly in Fairfield, CA. Some of her favorite things were old westerns, listening to hymns and she had a special love for cats. Surviving Sue are her two daughters, Heather Keeton, formerly of Fairfield, Ca, now of Monmouth; Jenniffer Chapin and her husband Press Chapin, both of Monmouth, Illinois. Three granddaughters survive, Emma Chapin, Autumn Chapin, and Katherine Ray and husband Andrew, all of Monmouth. Sue’s sister and brother survive her, Phyllis Volkhardt, Fairfield, California and her brother, Randy Shiflet of Oakdale, California. Sue’s former husband also is surviving her, Dean Ray Keeton. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, brother Sonny Shiflet, sister Patsy Nelson, and son, Christopher D. Keeton.
Cremation is being accorded her, and her family plans a Celebration of her life at a later date. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, is in charge of her care. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
