Marcena (Marcie) P. Keating

Marcena (Marcie) P. Keating, a beloved mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Born on March 15, 1939, in Tipton, Kansas, she grew up on a farmstead with nine siblings, where she learned the values of resourcefulness and making the most of what she had. These early lessons shaped a life marked by a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and the ability to find joy in even the simplest moments. Marcie had a gift for bringing out the best in others and cherished time spent with friends and family, including her cherished Friday morning coffee gatherings.

She attended Tipton Grade School and graduated from Tipton High School in the Class of 1957, proudly recalling her days as a local Spelling Bee Champion. After high school, she studied at Emporia State University, where she met Francis (Frank) Keating. The couple married in 1960 and settled in Junction City, Kansas, where Marcie lived her adult life. She dedicated more than 30 years to the Geary County USD 475 school district as a school bus driver, while also working in the school lunchroom and running admissions at sporting events. Her warm presence and laughter touched countless students and families in the community.

An active member of the Circle IV Women’s Group at St. Xavier Catholic Parish, Marcie’s faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She took great pride in her small-town roots and the importance of caring for family and neighbors. Above all, she delighted in her five children, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, attending their games, concerts, and performances with unwavering support. A talented cook and baker, she prepared every holiday feast and was especially known for her famous fudge, spoiling her family with love and generosity.

Marcie was preceded in death by her husband, Francis, on April 25, 2009, as well as her parents Joseph and Monica Hollerich, her daughter and son-in-law Judy and Mark Allen, granddaughter Becky, sisters Katherine Scheutz, Lou Ann Dilner, Virginia Mullins, and Carol Kline, and brother Charles Hollerich. She is survived by her sons Jeff (Joan), Jim (Michelle), and John (Kaylyn) Keating, daughter Jacki (Shawn) Diederich, her 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, sister Bea Long, brothers Ken, Harold, and Joe Hollerich, and her loving family, who will carry forward the values of kindness, generosity, and devotion to family that she so beautifully embodied.