Dorothy Louise Keck's Obituary
Dorothy Keck, age 94, passed away Friday, December 19 at 10:20am CDT at Columbia Convalescent Center in Columbia, IL where she had been residing the last several years.
The eldest daughter of Prosper C. and Della (Hagely) Soucy, she was born Dorothy Louise Soucy on September 19, 1920 in East St. Louis, IL. She married Henry F. Keck on November 5, 1947 in Belleville, IL. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2002 after 55 years of the most loving of marriages.
Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Prosper, George and Oliver Soucy; and two sisters, June Kolb and Marjorie Soucy.
Dorothy is survived by two daughters: Carol Ricketts of Morton, IL and Diane Keck of St. Charles MO and four sons: John Keck of Belleville IL, Henry (Ellen), David, and Paul Keck, all of rural Millstadt, IL. She also leaves nine grandchildren: Matthew (Amy-lynn Fischer) Ricketts, Michael P. Ricketts, Julie (Jessica King) Keck, Jennifer (Matt) Rossmiller, Henry F. Keck III, David Chad Keck, Lauren Keck, Jaqueline Keck, and Jennifer (Rodney) Haas. Great-grandchildren include: Dorothy, Anna, Sophie, and Heidi Rossmiller, Rebekah Leah and Nathaniel Henry Ricketts, and Conrad Haas.
Dorothy was the first woman to graduate from St. Louis University with a degree in mathematics and the first woman admitted to Pi Mu Epsilon, the mathematics fraternity there. During World War II, in an intensive effort by the Air Force to train all personnel in radio, Dorothy taught night and day at Scott Air Force Base. Her students ranged from young recruits to high-ranking officers much older than herself. Her intelligence and dedication earned her the admiration and respect of everyone lucky enough to know her in this life.
After her marriage Dorothy devoted her life to helping her husband on the family farm and raising her six children. In 1966 she began teaching junior high mathematics at Millstadt Consolidated School. Making many friends among teachers and former students, she continued there until her retirement.
Dearly loved, Dorothy will be missed by her family and her many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Inter Faith Food Pantry or Millstadt Senior Center.
Visitation will be on Monday, December 22, 2014 at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL. and on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL.
Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL., with Rev. Herbert M. Schafale, officiating.
Burial will be in Concordia United Church of Christ Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
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