Helen E. Keetle, 93 of Ashland, NE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at High Plains Care Center in Lincoln. She was born February 2, 1922 in Manilla, IA to William and Lena (Grimm) Grage. Helen attended school in Manilla, graduating from high school in 1940. During her school years, she was in many school plays, but her proudest memories were being a member of the girls basketball team from 1937-1940.

In 1943, she left her hometown of Manilla and moved to Yankton, SD and she found employment at Gurney’s Seed Company. It was in Yankton that she met and fell in love with Beryl Lee Keetle. They were married September 16, 1946 in Yankton. In 1946, Beryl and Helen moved to a farm southwest of Ashland and farmed until 1958 until they moved to the community of Wann.

Helen was a member of First Congregational Church in Ashland were she held various offices, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed being a member of the Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of the Wann Ladies Aid and enjoyed helping with Bingo at the Ashland Care Center. She was a sports enthusiast and loved watching her grandchildren participate in sports and other activities.

She is survived by children: Alan (Sandy) Keetle of Eagle and Donna (Randy) Stratton of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Lori (Craig) Gana of Martell, Scott (Tara) Keetle of St. Louis, MO, Kristin (Steve) Gruber of Martell, Eric (Amy) Keetle of Martell, Sara (Ryan) Axmann of Lincoln, Matthew (Sandra) Stratton of Valparaiso; great-grandchildren: Kylie, Kyson, and Kaden Gana, Reese and Hudson Keetle, Ashley, Addison, and Ayla Gruber, Nicole and Chase Keetle, Kaleb, Nathan, and Aidan Axmann, and Raylyn Stratton.

She was preceded in death by husband of 59 years Beryl L. Keetle; parents, five brothers and three sisters.