Obituary of Virginia L. Keys

Batavia ~ After a very brief illness, Virginia Eleanore Linder Keys entered into eternal life to be with the Lord on April 20, 2019, lovingly attended by her son Barry and her caregivers.  She was born in Rochester on March 3, 1938, and was the daughter of late Earl and Eleanore (Mattison) Linder.  Her husband of 57 years, Phillips, went home to be with the Lord 2 years ago.

     She thoroughly enjoyed our new home from the first night we were there, continuing to mill whole grains for a variety of breads, cooking a wide variety of entrees, making some of her own clothing, and doing finish work around the home.  Her greatest desire, though, was to be with the Lord Himself.  She is now in the presence of those whose steadfast walk with the Lord meant so much to her, and whom she earnestly looked forward to seeing.

     Psalm 15 describes her character very well, especially her desire for truth in the inward part and standing firm on principle, no matter the cost to her personally.  She knew what she ought to do, and she did it.  When I was blessed to be with Mom on errands, she had many comments about her character, her caring and compassion, abiding by principles, and even the way she dressed.  It was a continual reminder and exhortation that others are impacted by us, even when we aren’t aware of it.

     She is very dearly loved and we will miss her very much, but know that we will see her again where we will never be parted.  Our elders have burdens and stresses to bear that we who are younger know little of, and it was a great privilege to be there to cherish and help Mom and Dad when they were in need.  She leaves us behind to carry on until called home or the Lord returns.  If you wish to pay tribute to her, what she would want is for you to do what is right in the sight of the Lord in entirety, and not just what is comfortable to do.  The times that Jesus and the apostle Paul told us of are coming to pass, where self-absorption, self-righteousness, using people unashamedly, unwillingness to admit wrongdoing or make it right, and cold heartedness increase and abound.  She would earnestly desire for you to live a life just the opposite, following in our Lord’s footsteps, and to be like the repentant publican, rather than the self-satisfied onlooker (Luke 18:9-14).

     At her request, there will be no calling hours.