Mary “Virginia” (Maras) Keck ascended to Heaven on September 14, 2017. She had recently celebrated her 94th birthday with her family. Virginia was a wonderfully loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She has lived in Helena most of her life. She was the first born to Stojan “Tony” and Thirza “Minnie” Maras on August 27, 1923. She graduated from Helena High School in 1942. Just prior to graduation, she married to Marvin L. Keck on May 15, 1942. She followed her husband to California where he was a flight instructor in the Air Force training pilots for WWII. After the Air Force, they moved back to Helena to raise their family. Virginia and Marvin had three children, Marvin L “Butch” Keck (deceased), Janice (Keck) Saeman (deceased) and Karen (Keck) Clausen. Virginia worked at the Montana Labor and Industries accounting department. She was an extremely giving person. She was loved by many in her community. She was mostly loved by her many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her daughter Karen (Keck) Clausen of Helena. She is also survived by her grandchildren Tom Saeman of Vancouver, WA, Lee (Clausen) Wirthlin of Kalispell, Kelly (Clausen) Rayner of Helena, Annie (Clausen) Reed of Helena and Stacy Clausen of Lyons Creek. Surviving great-grandchildren to Tom and Starlet Saeman include Zachary, Joshua, Hailey and Ann. Surviving great-grandchildren to Lee and Todd Wirthlin include Amber Roper. Surviving great-grandchildren to Kelly and Jay Raymer include Beth Raymer and Eric Raymer. Surviving great-grandchildren to Annie and Mike Reed include Dylan Rapley, Alaura ( Rapley) Wood, MacKenzie Reed and Gus Reed. Surviving great-grandchildren to Stacy and Alina Clausen include Kasey Clausen. Great-great-grandchildren to Amber and Reid Roper include Kennedy and Reagan. Great-great-grandchildren to Alaura and Ryan Wood include Jack and Luke. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the loving caring individuals at The Shelby House and Wendy of Rocky Mountain Hospice.
She was extremely close to her brother John Maras and sister Dorothy (Maras) Mabry who are both deceased. Her sister June Maras died of a sickness at 6 years old. Virginia was also preceded in death by her special friends Lloyd Edinger and George Poston.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Virginia are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Virginia.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 30, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 30, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 30, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday September 30, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Judy Gardner says
Karen I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She lived to see a lot of things happen in our world and to have lots of experiences. Keep remembering the good times and experiences you had with her and that will help you in your grieving.
Sandra & Terry Richardson & Family says
So sad to lose our dear Auntie. We will hold close to our hearts many treasured memories from our visits to our Montana family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and please know our arms of love surround all the family and friends as you journey through this most difficult of times.
Nan Nail says
Karen and all the clan
Was sorry to hear about Virgie. Her passing is like the end of a chapter in the great book of life which includes you all. I have many memories of her and those family dinners up on your mountain. I was fortunate enough to have been “adopted” and still consider you “family.” I hope to see you soon and swap Virgie memories. In the interim, please know you are all in my prayers.
William Dickgraber Sr says
Memories of Virgie I have reach clear back to Unionville days. She is forever young in my mind…when Butch and I were boys. Lots of memories. Karen and family…you are in my thoughts and prayers. “Billy” Dickgraber