Alice Rae Keeling

Alice Rae as she was affectionately known to family and close friends, passed away June 6, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Louisville, KY on November 18, 1941 to James W. and Elizabeth Bibb. She was a longtime resident of the Portland neighborhood in Louisville where she attended Portland Christian School until her graduation with honors in 1959. After graduating from Portland Christian High School, Alice enrolled in the old Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing, from which she graduated as a RN in 1962. After graduating from the school of nursing she went to work for Norton as a floor nurse on 4north. Her talents and abilities had been recognized by Mildred Metz, the nursing school director, and she was offered a teaching position at the school. She continued to teach there until the school closed in May 1976. During this time Alice also obtained her BSN degree from Spaulding University. She also continued her employment with Norton Hospital for the next 34 years, holding various administrative positions. During those years she also obtained her Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Louisville in 1980. Alice was vice president of quality management when she finally retired from Norton Healthcare in 2011 completing 49 years of dedicated service.

She was a 33 year member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, and active member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, a longtime member of the honorable order of Eastern Star and listed prominently in the 1984 inaugural edition of “Who’s Who in American Nursing” in the library of Congress.

Alice was a loving and compassionate person who brought balance to her family. She always wanted the best for those closest to her and was a joy to be with as well as a great role model to all she was associated with daily.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Noble and Mary Ellen Bibb, her maternal grandparents, William and Nellie Henderson, and her sister, Judy A. Callahan.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Phil W. Keeling; the pride and joy of her life, her wonderful son, Christopher W. Keeling (Angie), her three step grandchildren, Carlie, Abbie and Jacob Thomas, a special nephew, Michael Callahan (Lisa) and their two daughters, Erin and Emily. Alice is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Funeral Service will be held 12 pm, Friday, June 10 , 2016 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Chapel, 4400 Bardstown Rd, with interment to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8 pm at the funeral home and again on Friday from 9am until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Louisville.