Carolyn Keyes

Carolyn E. Keyes, 75, of Decatur passed away August 13, 2017 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born February 15, 1942 in Decatur, the daughter of Ivan and Tina (King) Keyes.  Carolyn was a 1960 graduate of Decatur High School and remained close with her classmates through the years.  She was employed at Duo Tang (Ellingsworth) in Paw Paw for over 40 years, retiring in 2004.  In recent years, she became a member of the Decatur V.F.W. Auxiliary and was involved in making beef jerky for the troops.  Aunt Nin, as she was known to many, was a huge part of the lives of her family and especially her nieces and nephews. She always had time to stop by and visit, attend one of the kids’ events, go to lunch or go on a long ride in the country.  She enjoyed her “mindless therapy” working in the yard, feeding her hummingbirds, was an avid reader and crocheted countless afghans that her family has enjoyed for years.  She is probably best known for her terrific sense of humor and her laugh. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Ivan Jr. “Elmer,” Carl and Philip, a sister Shirley, a nephew, John and brothers-in-law Jack and Gordy. She is survived by two sisters, Jean Graham and Joyce (Bill) Stover; nieces and nephews, Cynthia, Mike (Pam), David (Martha), Tim (Cookie), Steve, Sandy (Larry), Nancy (Darryl), Judy, Randy, Kari (Mike) and Chris; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and her close friend Josie. Family and friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Newell Funeral Home, Decatur, where services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Jim Abshagen officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Decatur High School Band Association. Those wishing to sign Carolyn’s guestbook or leave a condolence for the family may do so online at www.newellchapel.com.