Keith S Marney

Keith S. Marney passed away peacefully on June 13, 2012, at Central Washington Hospital. Keith was born on July 4, 1927, to John Rufus and Virginia Marney in Withrow, WA. After graduating from Waterville High School in 1945, Keith served the United States Army. He was honorably discharged and returned to Waterville to marry his high school sweetheart, Alice Osborne, on April 18, 1947. They made Waterville their home for 37 years. Keith lived a life of service to his family and community. He was the Postmaster in Waterville for 30 years. For 17 years, Keith was the Manager for the North Central Washington Fair with Alice as his Secretary/Treasurer. He served two terms on the Washington State Fair Commission, where he and Alice met many great friends travelling and evaluating Fairs throughout the State. Keith also served as President of the Waterville Chamber of Commerce; Assistant Fire Chief; Sunday School Superintendent and Choir Member of the Federated Church; he was the Director/Instructor of the Badger Mt. Ski School; and an avid Booster for the Shockers. As entrepreneurs, Keith and Alice owned and operated the Richfield Service Station and the Waterville Laundromat. Keith was proud to be honored, with Alice, as the "1979 Person of the Year" by the Waterville Chamber. After retiring as Postmaster, Keith earned his Realtor's License and worked for Lake Chelan Properties. Keith constantly planned projects for the little cabin on Lake Chelan. All those projects soon led to their home of 28 years with Keith, Alice, family and friends doing the work. They enjoyed every minute at the lake. There were many memorable 4th of July birthday celebrations. As year around residents, the neighbors lovingly referred to Keith as the "Mayor of 25 Mile Creek." Keith volunteered countless hours in an effort to restore Lake Chelan fishing to what it once was. Keith loved to be surrounded by friends and family for: ski trips, golf outings, trips to Reno, a day at the races, Fairs and Rodeos, fishing, ice skating parties, and keeping up with his children and grandchildren. A favorite activity was sitting on the deck, overlooking Lake Chelan, surrounded by family and friends. Keith and Alice travelled extensively to gather genealogical facts from original sources. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Virginia; brother, Randal; and granddaughter, Shae Walker. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice; sister, Gay Hunt; children, Greg (Debi), Debbie (Al) Bigelow, Dean (Susan), and Mark (Barb); eight grandchildren, Heather, Spencer (Rebecca) Meinzer, Brooke Meinzer, Blythe, Dylan (Katie), Luke (Deborah), Nate, and Sam Marney; and four great-grandchildren, Brice and Devin Walker and Jed and Caroline Meinzer. There are many in-laws and their families, who were always a part of Keith's family. Per Keith's request, a Private Family Celebration of Life will be held. The family requests that donations be made to the Federated Church, the NCW Fair, or the Badger Mt. Ski area.

Keith S Marney

July 4, 1927 - June 13, 2012