Annetta "Toots" Jane Keithley

Annetta "Toots" Jane Keithley was born February 7, 1938 on the family farm 12 miles and one mile east of Springfield, Colorado to Lawrence and Winnie Wallace. She died February 26, 2011 at the Long Term Care Center in Springfield, Colorado. "Toots" had six sisters and five brothers. At an early age she was so short she could walk under a table. Her dad then named her "Toots". She attended school at Crescent, where she went through the 8th grade. She then went to Sprngfield High School for 2 years. Her teen years were spent with her best friend Mary Ann Nidey. She could be found riding horses (which included standing on the saddle as she rode). The family attended church at the Sandy Soil Church of Christ 13 miles south of Springfield. "Toots" was baptized into Christ at the Sandy Soil Church. "Toots" liked to help out at her sister's store, Randall's Grocery which was one mile west of her home. That is where she met Sonny Keithley in the spring of 1952. "Toots" caught his eye. He then returned for her the next year. They were married on Friday, November 13th in 1953. They were married 57 years. Their first daughter, Glenda Suzette was born October 9, 1953. Sonny and "Toots" moved back and forth between Sonny's home in Missouri, and "Toots'" home in Colorado. After their daughter, Jamie Janette was born September 9, 1961, Sonny wanted to move back to Colorado and live in the house they had built. "Toots" put her foot down and said, "I'll never move again." When they got here, that is where they stayed, at 649 Hill Street. Where ever Sonny was, "Toots" was there. Where ever "Toots" was Sonny wanted to be there. "Toots" worked hard for many years cleaning houses, ironing and working along side Sonny at the Conoco Gas Station in Springfield, Colorado. "Toots" worked at the Southeast Colorado Hospital from 1981 to 2004. "Toots" was a wonderful cook and many people stopped by at supper time knowing they would be invited to eat with them. "Toots" loved Children. She raised several more than just her two girls. She loved them all and then she had grandchildren. Her love for them was unwavering. "Toots" and Sonny took the grand kids fishing and camping as much as possible. "Toots" loved to read to her grandchildren. Larra loves "Emily and the Bears" and Lanny and Lorry always asked for the bird story with the snake, knowing full well Grandma "Toots" hated snakes. Lanny always said, "Christmas is not Christmas unless we are at Grandma's." When Shane was born in 2000 Grandma "Toots" called Jamie and said, "You have made this Grandma very happy. Just when I thought I was done you have given me another." "Toots" and Sonny were best friends. She made breakfast for him every morning; as loudly as she could. She was in chronic pain for many years but always enjoyed a good laugh. In November of 2010 we were told she needed dialysis. She decided she "would give it a try." Those treatments were Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Lamar. With the diligence of Suzy and Donis she continued until she could go no more. "Toots" lagacy was her love for Christ and her family. One of her favorite passages of scripture was James 1:12-16; "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethern." "Toots" was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Winnie Wallace; her sisters, Dorothy Randall, Lucille Shaw, Virginia Cloud; a baby brother, Alvin Eugene (age 3); and a baby sister, Ruby Bell (Age 3); a brother, Lester Wallace; and a few nieces and nephews. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Sonny Keithley of Springfield, CO; her daughters, Glenda Suzette (Suzie) of Campo, CO and Jamie Janette(Paul) McCullough and their children, Shane and Cassie of Reio Rancho, NM; grandchildren Larra Brothers (Steven) and their children, Sebastain and Simone of Albuquerque, NM; grandson, Lanny Schwarz (Marla) and their children, Branden and Luna Bella of Rio Rancho, NM; her granddaughter Lorry Rhodes (Terry) and their daughter, Torry, of Farmington, NM. She is also survived by her sisters, Bessie (Maurice) Siedl of Wichita, KS and Donis Steinbreuck of Springfield, CO; and brothers, Oran (Reta) of Denver, CO and Lennis Wallace of Sprngfield, CO. She also has left a host of nieces and nephews and many friend to mourn her passing.