Margaret Keith

Margaret Ellen Showalter Keith died peacefully at Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, FL on Sunday, May 12th, 2024 after a fulfilling life of friends, travel, and a loving family.

Margaret, born January 30, 1926, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Wilbur and Helen Showalter, was the third of four siblings. In 1946, Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Bill Keith, and together they raised three children in Marianna, FL, as Bill was the President of Lehigh Furniture Division of Lehigh Portland Cement Company.   

Margaret’s death was preceded by her dedicated husband of 50 years, John William (Bill) Keith and her siblings, Bob Showalter, Dick Showalter, and Helen Showalter Hewitt.  

Margaret, whose grandfather was a Methodist minister, was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Marianna. She had a wide circle of friends, was an accomplished bridge player, and loved entertaining friends and family. She had a contagious, positive enthusiasm that drew people to her. Margaret’s four grandchildren were the light of her life. Post Bill Keith’s passing, her final 16 years were spent at Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, FL, where she thrived and was a friend to many as she embraced her enthusiasm for friendships.

She is survived by her children, Alan Keith, Sneads, FL, John Keith (Carrie) Waynesville, NC, and Julie Keith Bender Martinez (Alfredo) St. Cloud, FL; along with her grandchildren, Heather Keith Gates, Jim Keith, Jack Bender, and Sarah Bender Allen, plus six great grandchildren. 

Graveside services will be private and she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bill, in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Reverend Dr. Nathan Attwood will be officiating and Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing. The family will have a private gathering following the service to celebrate of her life.  

Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Marianna.

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