Ray Dean Keeter

Tahlequah, OK-Funeral services for Ray Dean Keeter will be held on Monday, September 16th, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Reverend David Cook of DD Etchison Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15th, 2013 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Reed-Culver. Interment will be held at Park Hill Cemetery following the funeral. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.reedculver.com.

Ray D. Keeter was born on April 12th, 1923 in Stilwell, OK the son of Tom and Add (Dale) Keeter. Ray was one of eight children born to this union. Ray enlisted in the US Army during WWII and served his country honorably until his discharge in19--. On October 3rd, 1943, Ray married the love of his life, Irene Ballard in Tahlequah, OK. This union was blessed with one daughter, Bobbye. Ray attended school at NSU and earned his Masters Degree in Education. He loved opening the eyes of those around him to the wonders that existed on earth. His last position was as Superintendent at the Nuyaka School Sysytem. Whenever there was spare time, Ray loved hunting and fishing. He was very proud of the Cherokee people and worked to keep their language alive as an instructor. He performed authentic Cherokee Wedding ceremonies, and one of three individuals trained in this ceremony. He was extremely artistic and worked in oils and acrylics to bring the beauty of Native American art to those around him. He loved people and was kind hearted and generous to a fault. He thought more of others than himself and was always quick to lend a helping hand to those who needed him. He was a member of DD Etchison Methodist Church and loved his church family dearly. He loved to sing the old hymns in Cherokee. His wife, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his biggest treasure on earth. Ray was also a member of OEA and loved enlightening people around him. His beloved wife Irene died in 2009 and he lived with his granddaughter Lisa. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren Lisa and Jerry and his great grandchildren Brittany, Ashlee, and Noah. The Lord called Ray home on September 12th, 2013 in Tahlequah, OK. He was 90 years old. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Bobbye in 1986, and three brothers Gus, Jerry, and Durward Keeter.

Those left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Lisa Williams of Tahlequah and Jerry Williams and wife Mary Ann of Indiana. He leaves two brothers and two sisters, Vyrle Keeter and wife Bobbi of Muskogee, OK, Frank Keeter and wife Margaret of Bristow, OK, Wanda Martin of Indiana, and Jane Fritts and husband Norwood of Indiana. He leaves his son-in-law Gary Hamby of Glenpool, OK, and three great grandchildren, Brittany Amlin, Ashlee Townsend, and Noah Williams, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as the many friends whose lives he has touched over the years.