Loleta D. Keel, 64, of McCleary, Washington, passed away on Oct 25, 2021, in Mesa, Arizona.

Leta was born on June 7, 1957, to Dan and Forrest Ann Daniel in Elma, Washington. She grew up in Elma and was a lifelong resident of Western Washington. She married Rick Keel of Elma and went on to spend a 30-year career in the restaurant industry where she made lifelong friends.

Leta loved cooking for family, watching Jeopardy, drinking chardonnay, relaxing by the pool with a book, sushi dates with friends, sea turtles, traveling and, most of all, being a grandmother. In retirement, she and her husband bought an RV and thoroughly enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona, where they enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent time with close friends.

Leta is survived by her beloved husband, Rick Keel; daughter, Melanie Oliver; son, Daniel Keel; brothers Bill and Stan Daniel; grandchildren Michelle: Diane, Leta, Hank, Harrison and Lydia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear sister Leslie, with whom we are certain she is currently catching up and planning mischief.

Graveside services will be held at the McCleary cemetery at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, followed by a celebration of life at the Elma Fairgrounds. In accordance with Leta’s wishes, we ask attendees to wear colorful attire.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.