May 21, 1931 — March 20, 2014

Joan Betty Keefer, 82, of Niles, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at home.

Joan was born May 31, 1931, to Robert and Nevada Darnell in Walkerton, Ind. She married Howard Keefer on Sept. 30, 1949, in Chicago, Ill. He preceded her in death.

She loved sewing and reading. Joan was a long time member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Buchanan, Mich. and retired from Electro Voice, of Buchanan.

Joan is survived by her children, Daniel Keefer, Cyndy (Jim) Gumpert, Jeff (Paulette) Keefer and Kimberly Russell; six grand children, Larry Sherwood, Josh Keefer, Nate (Nicole) Keefer, Zack Boller, Keenan (Brittany) Almeida and Connor Johnson; four great-grandchildren, Lily Sherwood, Travis Almeida, Makayla Keefer and Bradley Almeida.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nevada; sister, Norma Jean Kolberg and brother, Bobby Joe Darnell.

Graveside service for Joan will take place at New Troy Cemetery, Sawyer, Mich. at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014, with Pastor Charles Johnston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Missionary Baptist Church of Buchanan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Inc., of Buchanan, Mich. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.