It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen (Emerson) Keck on March 24, 2026. She passed away peacefully at home, and surrounded by family, including her beloved dog, Gracee. She was born August 30th, 1943 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. In the 1960s, Mary moved to Southern California, where she met and married her husband Frank. Mary and Frank were married for 44 years, raising their children, Jarrett and Amy, in Orange County, California. Mary was a Branch Manager at Santa Barbara Savings & Loan, was an active member of her church, and an avid quilter. She also read hundreds of books.
Mary touched numerous lives with her infinite kindness, generosity, and unwavering courage. Mary was loved by many, and is survived her sister Clarice Ellis, brother Chris Emerson, sister Vickie Gray, her children, and grandson Isaac Keck.
In keeping with Mary’s altruistic spirit, and in lieu of flowers, her family requests that any funds be donated to assist with end of life care costs. While Mary may no longer be with us physically, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is not just in the memories she leaves behind, but in the good that we can do in her name.
Services were held at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Weleetka, Oklahoma, on Friday, April 3, 2026