Norlyne B. Keahey

Norlyne B. (Niehus) Keahey, the love of Ken’s life, beloved Mother and cherished Bucky, passed away on August 26, 2023 at age 91. Norlyne was born on March 1, 1932 in Fairmont, OK to Clarence and Clara (Helberg) Niehus.

Norlyne graduated from Garber High School. On September 6, 1956 she married Dr. Kenneth Keahey in Enid, OK and they started their family in Ethiopia where Ken was a Veterinary Advisor under the Point Four program established by President Harry Truman and Oklahoma State University. Many adventures ensued during these years which culminated into lifelong friendships and cherished memories. For example, Norlyne is credited for sewing the first flag of the Imperial Ethiopian A&M college, when they realized the need for a flag in advance of a visit from emperor Haile Selassie.

Norlyne and Ken moved back to the States in 1962 and settled in East Lansing, Michigan where Ken was a professor and received a PhD from Michigan State University. Norlyne was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She attended many Michigan State University football and basketball games, loved to try new recipes, and entertain. She also volunteered for many years at Sparrow Hospital.

We will greatly miss Norlyne’s kindness, loyalty, and impeccable sense of style. Norlyne was a caretaker for large periods of her life and continued to show humor and love to those around her, despite the challenges of caretaking. She had a beautiful singing voice, and we all will miss getting to hear her sing in perfect harmony with Ken and her siblings.

Norlyne is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Mark) Skinner of Peachtree City, GA; grandchildren, Eric (Crystal) Skinner of Fayetteville, GA; Jessica (George) Donnelly of Philadelphia, PA; great-granddaughter Grace Donnelly; brother Dale (Jackie) Niehus of Fairmont, OK; sister Darlis Anthony of Fort Worth, TX. She is predeceased by husband, Dr. Kenneth Keahey, and daughters Kelly Jo Wyatt and Kristin Munger.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Fairmont, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Martin Luther Chapel, 444 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 or to the MSU Horticultural Gardens, a place that was very special to Norlyne and the Keahey Family.

The family is being served by West Georgia Crematory.  To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the family please visit www.westgeorgiacrematory.com.