Adele Ruth Keaton

We celebrate the life, love and friendship of Adele R. Keaton, who passed away on September 18, 2023. Born on June 15, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN, Adele was the first child of Raymond and Alice Elmstrom (Mootz). As a child, Adele moved many times with her family, which influenced her outgoing and friendly personality. Adele met her first husband at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, WA, marrying one year before she graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Home Economics Education. They welcomed son Kenneth in 1961, daughter Susan in 1966 and daughter Jennifer in 1968. The family moved to Salem, OR in 1973 where Adele first taught at Chemawa Indian School and then Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility. It was through her job at Hillcrest, she eventually met the love of her life, Charles E. Keaton, who worked in corrections education at Oregon State Penitentiary. They married in 1986 and enjoyed a fun life, loving partnership, and a combined 6 kids, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Adele enjoyed many things in life such as reading, cooking, sewing, domestic and international adventures, boating, supporting her family’s sporting events and interests, volunteering, playing bridge and tennis... and a good bottle of red. She especially loved her times with family and friends, all of whom miss her dearly.

Adele is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Charlie, her son Ken (Victoria), daughter Susan (Robert), and daughter Jennifer (JD); including stepson Steve (Denise), stepson Chris (Jaleah), and stepdaughter Lisa (Doug). She is further survived by her sister Betty (Fred), and the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 1:00pm on Sunday, June 23rd at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1444 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97302.

In lieu of flowers, and with a nod to Adele’s lifelong support of education, donations may be made to the PEO Scholarship Fund at PO Box 58, Turner, OR 97392 (checks payable to “PEO Chapter CQ”).