YVONNE MARIE NELSON KEEL; passed peacefully 1/16 in Richland, born 4/18/1942, to parents Alvin and Viola Loth Nelson, in Iron Mountain, MI.  She was named after two of the Canadian-born Dionne quintuplets, Yvonne and Marie and could name all 5 of the quints. 

She was raised in Granite Falls and Everett, WA.  She was married to Ralph Keel (12/1/73) and had one daughter, April Yvonne Keel.  Yvonne was raised with 3 sisters, Margaret (Bill) Laney (1936-2000), Johanna (Jim) Caylor, and Sherri Lynn (Roubye Hart-Hickey) Nelson (1950-2004).  She is survived by daughter, April Yvonne Keel (Clark, MO); granddaughter Melanie Marie Morgan (Sean) Johnson (Kent, WA); grandsons (3) Dustin Robert Malin (CA), Devin Ryan-Robert Malin (CA), Ian Chance Balderson (TX), 6 great grandchildren, the loving Laney Clan - Craig (TX), Bruce, James, Billy Ray (SC) and Susan Kirby (SC), and nieces Kathi and Kelly (WA). 

Yvonne was a retired federal employee (Supply Clerk, USNavSta Treasure Island -1973) and lived several years in Alameda, CA.  She was an Award Winning AVON Lady in Alameda to make ends meet and received many sales awards and left many friends, neighbors, and acquaintances when she relocated to Richland July 9, 2010 to be near her sister and family.  She was a member of the Eagles (Aeries 1076 of Alameda, CA); VFW Aux 7952 Richland; and NARFE Chapter 1192.  She was a die-hard Democrat for years. 

She resided at Prestige Assisted Living since August 2010 and loved to lead the residents for monthly Happy Birthday gatherings and one of her favorites, the Cream of Wheat Song!  She remembered all of the older melodies and commercial jingles for sure.  It wasn’t easy for Yvonne living in the assisted living environment and remembering “the rules” having lived alone for so many years.  It was my honor to be Yvonne’s caregiver since moving her to Richland. 

I would also like to thank my spouse Jim and friend Rose Cuffin for being my backup(s) getting sis to her many doctor appointments when I was out of town.  I would also thank Diana Jones and her staff for Yvonne’s excellent care.  She had many special friendships with various residents who have moved on and will greet her with open arms saying “we’ve been waiting for you.” 

Yvonne had a lot of health issues that hopefully trained the dedicated staff on dealing with the aging residents.  Per her wishes, there will be no services.  Einan’s is in charge of her wishes and she will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR with her veteran husband at a later date.