Elizabeth "Beth" Keenan

Elizabeth J. (Brott) Keenan died on October 26, 2014, at the Regional West Garden County Nursing Home. Beth, as she preferred to be called, was born on May 25, 1930, in Thedford, Nebraska, to Herbert and Bessie Brott. She was united in marriage to Verne D. Keenan on November 24, 1949, and joined her husband on the Keenan ranch northeast of Oshkosh in the Rackett community. To this union, three children were born: Wayne, Darrell, and Bonnie.

Beth was a devoted wife and mother. She also was a faithful partner to Verne on the ranch, helping whenever and wherever needed. During this time, she was active in the community, serving on the Racket Community Grange board and on the Well Valley School board. She was also a member of the Nimble Fingers Women’s Club.

In February of 1976, Verne and Beth moved to Oshkosh, Nebraska. After the move, she worked at the Oshkosh Grade School for a time, which she enjoyed greatly. Later, she provided in-home meals and care for various people unable to do so for themselves.
Beth was kind-hearted and self-giving, putting the needs of others before her own. She loved to read and to be busy in the kitchen with cooking, baking, and preserving produce in season.

She is survived by her husband, Verne; her children, Wayne and his wife, Sandy, Darrell and his wife, Joy, and Bonnie (McCord) and her husband, Terry; four grandchildren, Gayla Chaparro, Harley Keenan, Will McCord, and Ian McCord; three step-grandchildren, Wendy Nere, Branden Goodrich, and Melissa Goodrich; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 31, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church of Oshkosh, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Garden County Ambulance Fund in Beth’s name.