Deo Marie Keil, 79

Deo Marie Keil, 79, passed away peacefully at home in Palmer, Alaska, surrounded by family on Sept. 26, 2011, after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

Deo lived in Kalispell for many years, but decided to move back to Alaska in 2005 to be closer to family.

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

Deo married Glen D. Keil Sr. on April 9, 1950. They raised seven children in three different states, finally settling in Alaska in 1971.

Deo’s family was extremely important to her, and she loved keeping in touch. She was a regular on Facebook, and enjoyed sharing news and funnies with 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 who 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.

Deo was preceded in death by her sister, Mercedes; her son, Glen Jr.; and her husband, Glen Sr.

She is survived by 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, Alaska; 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 were held Oct. 1 at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local hospice organizations.