Jean Ellen Keffer
Jean Ellen Keffer, 70, passed on May 11, 2025, at Riverview Group Home in McMechen, WV. Jean was born on January 26, 1955, in New Martinsville, WV, the daughter of Bob and Dorothy Keffer.
In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Ina Arrick, paternal grandparents Glen and Ethel Keffer, a favorite aunt and uncle Barbara and Harvey Gastineau, and a cousin Jack Gastineau.
Jean leaves behind her sister Susan (Richard) Kunkel of Little Valley, NY, and brother David (Dorina) Keffer of Westminster, MD; nieces and nephews Alex (Allyce) Kunkel, Drew (Andee Friant) Kunkel, Amy (Julius) Stuart, Lauren (Tim) McLaughlin, and Matthew (Lindsay Kirschner) Keffer; grand-nieces and grand-nephews Riley Kunkel, Robert Kunkel, and Madden McLaughlin; and her wonderful family at Riverview Group Home.
Jean was born a very special person. Although she was never able to talk, she sent messages to everyone around her in many different ways. Those that knew her well can tell stories of her certain personality traits. She had beautiful brown eyes and it wasn’t difficult to see the mischief in them. Her smile and laugh were wonderful to see and hear. Jean lived with her parents who cared for her unselfishly. She loved to go places, and her parents always took her with them when they had errands. After they passed, she moved to Riverview Group Home where her family only grew. She lived there for almost 23 years and found her second loving home with Leasha, Mary, Frances, Amanda, Tina and many others who brought her into their families. Riverview was a very happy time in her life journey as living there greatly improved her independence, and her joy of living there was evident. After moving to Riverview Jean continued her social outings. Some of her favorites were trips to the mall, Dairy Queen, to Oglebay for the Festival of Lights, hockey games, and camping.
Jean loved to rub noses with those she loved and her brown eyes would sparkle. Her accomplishments were not always apparent but she did teach others through her actions that everyone is different and God made her special.
Jean will be laid to rest on Friday, May 23, at 11:00 am at Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jean may be made to the New Martinsville Public Library by visiting www.tmcfunding.com. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jean’s family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.