Sarah Elizabeth Keel

Sarah Elizabeth Keel, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away at the age of 81, in Bakersfield California, surrounded by the love and compassion of her family. She was born in 1942, in Taft, California, and spent her early years in both Taft and Ft. Worth, Texas. Sarah will forever be cherished for her unwavering dedication to her family, her friends, and her grand doggies.

Sarah was a Christian and baptized in her youth by the Church of Christ. She worshipped there along with her family and children for many years. She often held bible studies in our home on Alta Vista and styled the church ladies long hair into Aqua Net, bouffant buns for Sunday services. In our childhood, she was a loving and devoted homemaker, creating a warm and nurturing environment for us. She cared for us by making the most wonderful meals, especially Sunday’s roast beef dinners and homemade ice cream on the back porch. She had a talent for creating beautiful outfits for her kids to wear to school, and later created small quilts for each one of her grandchildren. She was actively involved in the PTA at Longfellow Elementary and never missed an event her children were involved in.

In 1980, Sarah and Dan relocated to the mountain community of Twin Oaks, where they owned an 80-acre horse ranch. Sarah again became heavily involved in the schools and became President of the Caliente Educational Foundation. She co-founded the Caliente Team Penning, which grew to be one of the premier events on the West Coast and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the school district. Her involvement in team penning blossomed and she became show secretary for state and national association events in California and Nevada. If you owed entry fees or stall rent, she would let you know! She was also the fastest one to have winning checks ready.

Sarah loved FAST HORSES and became a lifelong horse racing fan. She was a small-time horse breeder of both racing Appaloosas and Quarter horses. The first horse she bred, Go Bright Buck, went on to become Reserve-champion Appaloosa of California in 1983. Sarah made many trips to Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos. She was always excited to watch the Kentucky Derby & Breeders Cup with the friends she made. Her 2 Favorite racehorses were Zenyatta and Cigar!

She later moved to Bakersfield and became a real estate agent. Where she became a top producer at Prudential and Coldwell Banker. Her career allowed her to make sure her kids were able to buy their first homes.

Perhaps her greatest love were her grandchildren. When she was vital, she sacrificed all of her time to be with each of them. Taking them to school, cheering at games, taking over on Mom duties when necessary and spoiling them, only how a grandma can. Her calls and voicemails must have been a full time job and will be treasured. Later, enjoying FaceTimes with them and her great grandchildren.

Sarah loved to travel, and her two favorite destinations were Pismo Beach and Las Vegas. She also deeply loved music and two-stepping. For the last decade, she battled cancer and hospitalizations. She had many caring doctors that fought along with her, and we thank them.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Ellen Gertrude and Hershel Thomas Young, husband Daniel Keel, brothers Willard and Jerry Young, and her granddaughter Robin. She leaves behind six children: Rick (Cheryl), Sherry, Mary (Jerry), Jennifer (Allan), Laura (Dale) and Andy; grandchildren: Jake, Mandi, Lexi, Joseph, Jonathon, Tabatha, Robert, Cameron, Tyler and Katie; wonderful great grandchildren, sister Judy (Dave), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sarah leaves behind a legacy of love, togetherness, and cherished memories that will be treasured by all who knew her. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Hillcrest on February 16th at 1:00PM.