In Memory Of
Grace Olivia Thurman
1931
2019
Grace Olivia Thurman
March 30, 1931 — October 10, 2019
Our sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend Grace Olivia (Keeling) Thurman, 88, of Topeka, KS passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2019. Grace was surrounded by her family.
The daughter of Arnicholas (Schuck) and Otto Keeling, Grace was born March 30, 1931 in Topeka, Kansas.
In 1949, Grace graduated from Topeka High School and married Fredrick Thurman on June 5, 1949 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Topeka.
Grace dedicated herself to a life of service. As a Licensed Mental Health Technician, Grace spent over 25 years working for the State of Kansas at the Topeka State Hospital and Kansas Neurological Institute. After retiring, Grace became an active volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program.
Together Fred and Grace, raised eight children. Grace leaves behind her children Diane Carter, Modesto, CA, Venita (Richard) Thomas, Gulfport, MS, Frederick, Michael, Steven, Edward (Elise), Arnicholas King all of Topeka, Brenda (Bruce) Bynum, Killeen, Texas. Grace has 28 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. Grace is also survived by three brothers Marlin (Bernadette) Keeling, Richard (Daisy) Keeling, Norman (Caroline) Keeling, and Sharon (Eugene) Cook and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Grace and Fred also raised several of Grace's younger siblings as well as foster children.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred and siblings Otto, Harriet, Arnicholas, John, and Merle.
Throughout her life, Grace enjoyed spending time with family, working with children, volunteering, cooking and hosting gatherings for friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Early Head Start Community Action, 2400 SE Highland Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.
To leave a special message for Grace's family, please visit the guestbook below.
The daughter of Arnicholas (Schuck) and Otto Keeling, Grace was born March 30, 1931 in Topeka, Kansas.
In 1949, Grace graduated from Topeka High School and married Fredrick Thurman on June 5, 1949 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Topeka.
Grace dedicated herself to a life of service. As a Licensed Mental Health Technician, Grace spent over 25 years working for the State of Kansas at the Topeka State Hospital and Kansas Neurological Institute. After retiring, Grace became an active volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program.
Together Fred and Grace, raised eight children. Grace leaves behind her children Diane Carter, Modesto, CA, Venita (Richard) Thomas, Gulfport, MS, Frederick, Michael, Steven, Edward (Elise), Arnicholas King all of Topeka, Brenda (Bruce) Bynum, Killeen, Texas. Grace has 28 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. Grace is also survived by three brothers Marlin (Bernadette) Keeling, Richard (Daisy) Keeling, Norman (Caroline) Keeling, and Sharon (Eugene) Cook and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Grace and Fred also raised several of Grace's younger siblings as well as foster children.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred and siblings Otto, Harriet, Arnicholas, John, and Merle.
Throughout her life, Grace enjoyed spending time with family, working with children, volunteering, cooking and hosting gatherings for friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Early Head Start Community Action, 2400 SE Highland Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.
To leave a special message for Grace's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Grace Olivia Thurman, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Guestbook
Visits: 2
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