Gloria Jane Keenan, age 77, passed away on February 21, 2025, at HaysMed, Hays, Kansas due to complications of a stroke.  She was born on August 22, 1947, in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Wayne and Elvira (Schneider) Kerr.

She grew up on a farm, SE of Ness City, moving to town in 1960.  She was a 1965 graduate of Ness City High School.  She was a member of the NCHS band that represented Kansas at the Seattle World Fair.  Gloria graduated from Fort Hays State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, serving as president her senior year.

She married Terry Keenan on June 4, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.  They enjoyed 55 years of marriage.  She taught third grade at Jefferson School in Great Bend before they moved to Ness City in 1975 where they raised their three children, Jill, Andrew, and Brett.  She subbed at schools in the area until 1978. She started teaching at Sacred Heart School where she worked for over 25 years.  Every student knew when Mrs. Keenan gave them "the look" they were in trouble.

Gloria was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Altar Society, and was a communion minister.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Do Little Club, played group bridge, volunteered at the Methodist Thrift Shop and Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her husband, Terry, and daughter, Jill Stade, both of Ness City; her son, Brett Keenan and his wife, Stephanie, of White Rock, New Mexico; three grandchildren, Dylan and Brayden Chesterman and Robin Keenan; and two great grandchildren, Stella and Alana Chesterman.  Gloria is also survived by her brother, Mark Kerr, and his wife, Renee, of Ness City; brother-in-law, Dennis Keenan, and his wife, Eileen, of Overland Park; and sister-in-law, Georgann Bauer, of Larned.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and son, Andrew Kerr Keenan.

Parish Vigil will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Monday, Feb 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City.  Viewing will be Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Monday from noon until service time on Monday.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Sacred Heart Church or School or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book