Kathleen Ruesch Keefer, unique sense of humor

Kathleen “Kathy” Ruesch Keefer passed away Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. She was born in Newport, R.I., Oct. 19, 1957, to James and Louise Ruesch.

She leaves behind her beloved Hazel Gay LaNasa, her wife of many years. Kathy was a devoted mother and a guiding force to her children, Kaitlin and Kyle Keefer, and spent part of her life with Jim Keefer, loving and parenting their children. Her sisters, Linda Gorsline (Ron) and Karol Foster (John) enjoyed growing up in a nurturing family with their older sister, and holding on to wonderful memories of fun and laughter. Extended relatives, including aunts, many cousins, and several nieces and nephews from the Keefer/LaNasa families, will miss her dearly. Innumerable friends will mourn the loss of a woman who was principled, tremendously respected, and super intelligent. Several greyhound rescue groups benefited from Kathy’s cherished support. For 25 years, Kathy and Gay spent countless hours toward efforts to find families to adopt and save greyhounds after retirement from track racing. Kathy’s beautiful, loving, and rescued greyhounds, June and Olive, brought boundless joy to her and will miss her dearly. All her previous greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge are now joining her. Most of all, Kathy will forever be remembered for her refreshing and unique sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 26, at Parsell Funeral Home, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Visitation for family and friends will start at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Greyhound Pet Adoption of Delaware, gpadelaware.org.  

Visit Kathleen’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.