Artie Keas

Artie Belle Keas, 92, of Hillsboro died Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at Town Hall Estates Nursing Home in Hillsboro. Artie was born June 11, 1918 in Bynum. She was the daughter of James Vienett and Thula Knight Henry. When she was an infant, her mother died and she was raised by her step-mother, Momma Pearl. She married Luther Howell Keas and he preceded her in death on May 14, 1999. During her husband's service in the military, the couple lived in Miami Beach, FL and Washington State. They later lived in Grand Prairie until moving to Hillsboro in 1958. For a number of years during the 1960's, she ran a caf on Covington Street. Before going to work at H & R Drug Store for 20 years, Artie worked a few years for Saybrook Fabrics. Besides her love of sewing and making clothing for her grandchildren, she also loved to garden and raise flowers. She enjoyed yard and garage sales, visiting with people, and most of all traveling with her sisters especially to Tennessee where her family lived. While living at The Legends and Town Hall, she enjoyed her daughter-in-law decorating her door which always received recognition. Since 1958, she had been a member of Woodbury Baptist church where she served as Church Clerk for 26 years and also kept the nursery for many years. Also preceding her in death were her parents, an infant son, three sisters, and four brothers. Survivors include her son, Gary Don Keas and wife, Sharon, of Woodbury; two grandchildren, Kim Graham and husband, John, and Darian Keas all of Woodbury; and great-granddaughter, Tiffany Graham of Woodbury. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodbury Baptist Church, 2451 FM 309, Hillsboro, TX 76645; Woodbury Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 863, Hillsboro, TX 76645; or Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department, 1523 HCR 1313 Hillsboro, TX 76645.