Louise Madeline Keiter
1930-2022
Louise Madeline Keiter, age 92, passed away at her home on September 4, 2022.
She was a Christian. She was the eldest child of the late Robert Leroy and Thelma Juanita Clingerman Bushman.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy William Keiter. They were married in 1948 and cherished their life together.
Louise graduated from Berkeley Springs High School. She earned her B.A. degree from Shepherd College and her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University. She taught for over 33 years at various schools in Morgan County, W.Va. and Hancock, Md.; retiring from Hancock Elementary School after 24 years of teaching kindergarten. Louise loved her students and the characteristics that made each one so special and unique. She cherished seeing former students and learning more about their lives.
Louise loved traveling and especially loved her home state of West Virginia. She was a Golden Horseshoe recipient in 1944 during World War II. She enjoyed taking her family throughout the state to show them its beauty and see local artisans’ work.
Louise loved spending time with her family, friends, and many grand-pups. She enjoyed visiting her granddaughter’s animal sanctuary and seeing the many animals she rescues, especially a pair of potbelly pigs named Louise and Leroy.
Louise is survived by her children, Robert Keiter and his wife Nancy, Debra Avey and her husband John; granddaughter, Kristin Nickerson and her husband Derek; sister, Lois Jean Swaim; many nieces and nephews and dear friends, Marna Morris and Joann Santor.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; three siblings, Ella Loretta “Bonnie” Bushman, James Bushman, and Thelma Ann Swaim; and a son-in-law, Robert Howerton.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Mount Nebo Cemetery with Pastor Michael Leedom officiating. In lieu of flowers, Louise requested memorial contributions be made to further her granddaughter’s animal rescue efforts; c/o Kristin Nickerson, PO Box 274 Clear Brook, VA 22624.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.
