Barbara Thompson Keith, 98, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 17, 1924, to Col. Frederick Mott Thompson and Eunice Gerstner Thompson. As part of a military family, Barbara spent her early life on a variety of military bases including her favorite, Ft. Jay, located on New York’s Governors Island.
Following graduation from Michigan State University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she married Clarence “Buddy” Keith in 1945. Barbara and Buddy moved to Bowling Green in 1951 and opened Keith Monument Company where they worked together to serve their community for over 50 years creating memorials for many families in the area. Barbara was a member of various community organizations including D.A.R. and continued to enjoy her bridge groups and her Sunday School class “The Bread of Angels” at Christ Episcopal Church well into her nineties.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Hartman and Beverly Thiele. She is survived by her three children; Fredrick W. “Fred” Keith (Marilyn), Jennifer L. Keith, and Barbara “Babs” Johnston: five grandchildren; Keith Johnston (Holly), Ryan Keith (Beth Ann), Andrew Johnston (Dori), Kristin Higden (David), and Dr. Jeffrey Keith: eight greatgrandchildren and her much loved and appreciated care giver, Carlene Dickerson.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date with interment at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel.