After a long life full of love and adventures, Karlene Keyes passed peacefully on June 27th, 2024, at the

age of 85, surrounded by family and friends.

Karlene was born to parents Karl and Milly Johnson in Missoula, Montana. She spent her early childhood

in Montana with her beloved little brother Kenny Johnson. Karlene was blessed to grow up alongside her

cousins, an experience that shaped the way she would raise her own family, surrounded by cousins,

aunts, and uncles.

Karlene's family relocated to Kennewick, Washington in 1953. She attended Kennewick High School

(Class of 1957), where she was an exemplary student held in high esteem by her classmates and

teachers for her leadership and involvement. She was the editor of the school newspaper, sang in the

Mad Hatters choir, and, best of all, made friends that she would cherish to the very last days of her life.

Karlene married her first husband, Jack Dixon, in 1953. They had three children, Gunner, Sherry, and

Tracy. Jack worked in construction for Raney Method and Lampson International, and the family traveled

the west coast following his job, from Canada to California, before settling down in Finley, Washington.

After the passing of Karlene's beloved brother and sister in law, Kenneth and Barbara Johnson, their

family was joined by precious daughters Yvette, April, and Nicole.

From family activities to community service and her own successful career, Karlene led a full and active

life. A lifelong lover of animals, she ran a small household farm and kept a menagerie that included

horses, a donkey, dogs, cats, steers, cows, chickens, pigs, and the occasional goldfish. She worked at

Welch's grape juice factory, was a jack of all trades for Lampson International, and served as an office

manager at Clark Jennings and Associates. As an aficionado in all things arts and showmanship, she

graced the community with combined singing and florist services under the tagline "we marry 'em and

bury 'em". She was the PTO President and a leader for many 4H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts groups.

She was the first woman to serve on the Finley School Board and was named the Benton Franklin County

Extension Woman of the Year. Amidst all of her professional efforts, she remained deeply devoted to her

children and their interests including coaching her children's youth sports teams and sewing countless

prom dresses, Halloween costumes, and dance recital outfits. All throughout her life, she delighted in

watching her children and grandchildren's concerts, games, and competitions.

Karlene was the life of the party. Her home was filled with family and friends and laughter and music.

Karlene spent many evenings singing at the piano, accompanied by Jack's guitar and any friends or

neighbors who would join them for a song. She passed her love of music to her children and

grandchildren, who always looked forward to hearing her singing in the church choir.

Later in life, Karlene would meet and marry Jack Keyes on Valentine's Day of 1988, beginning a new and

beautiful chapter in her life. With the addition of Jack's lovely granddaughter Sarah Keyes, the family grew

to six daughters and one son. Karlene loved and cherished every minute with Jack and their family.

Karlene was a woman of God with a strong Christian faith. She was baptized and raised in Kennewick

First Christian Church, where she was a dedicated member for many years. She served as deaconess,

elder, member of the financial board, secretary, and Sunday school teacher and brought communion to

those who could not attend church. While singing in the choir at Kennewick First Christian Church,

Karlene met her dear companion, Gary DeMoss. The pair enjoyed 28 years of life and togetherness.

Karlene's greatest love and adventure was raising her family. They brought her a lifetime of joy and

laughter, immense pride, and more crazy stories than any one family should have. From road trips to

summers on the lake and Seahawks games, she made so many precious memories with the people who

loved her. If you met Karlene, you were part of her family. Her heart was always open.

Karlene is preceded in death by husbands Jack Dixon and Jack Keyes, son Gunner Dixon, grandsons

Christian Dixon and Austin James Mostoller. She is survived by her children Sherry Mostoller, Tracy

Leonard, Yvette Simons, April Montes, Nicole Douglas, and Sarah Keyes, as well as her beloved sons

and daughters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the many

others to whom she opened her heart and her home throughout her life:

● Bri and Katie Mostoller

● Lori, Savannah, Garret and Drew Dixon; Lua Rae Yoshioka

● Joe Leonard; Mark, Johnna, Teagan, Jennavee, and Mark Jr. Reavis; Melissa, Ed and

Ashleyanne Soto

● Billy Simons; Amanda, Chris, Carter and Everleigh Knight

● Hector, Dylan, Daniel, Vivian and Teresa Montes

● Jeremy, Cheyanne and Taylor Douglas

● Ashley, Shane, Emily and Callie Keyes; Sheryl Cross and Michael Cross

A graveside inurnment will be held July 6, 2024 at 12:30pm at Desert Lawn Memorial Park followed by a memorial at the funeral home at 1:00pm at 1401 S. Union St. Kennewick, WA 99338.