Barbara Jean Adkins Keeney - Obituary

arbara Jean Adkins Keeney, age 93, in East Lynn, West Virginia, lived a life devoted to family, service, creativity and her Appalachian heritage. She was the daughter of Charles M. Adkins and Ella Lee Vaughn Adkins, and the sister of Charles M. Adkins II. She shared her life with her husband, Charles W. (Bill) Keeney, and was the devoted mother of Cheryl Ann Keeney Kraus and mother-in-law of Bill Kraus. She was especially proud of her grandson, Daniel Kraus, with whom she shared a close relationship—and, as grandmothers often do, she regarded him as convincing evidence that the family had saved its best work for later. Barbara began her career as an accountant at Huntington Gas Company, where she kept the numbers in line. She later became a full-time, stay-at-home mother—a promotion involving longer hours, fewer coffee breaks, and clients who occasionally refused to wear shoes. As Bill’s promotions moved the family through several states along the East Coast, Barbara turned each new address into a welcoming home. She and Bill eventually settled in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and she later moved to Sunrise Senior Living in Severna Park, Maryland. Wherever they lived, Barbara brought comfort, style, and the quiet certainty that a room could always be improved by moving one chair six inches to the left. Barbara’s generous spirit reached well beyond her own household. She volunteered with charitable organizations including Meals on Wheels and PEO—a group that focuses on empowering women through educational philanthropies and community support—and she provided support to expectant, new and experienced parents as a counselor at the Tri-City Life Center, one of the roles she cherished most. She was a member of the Altar Guild and long time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oakmont. She loved interior design, painted in acrylics and watercolor, made wreaths, and tried nearly any craft that promised beauty, satisfaction, or a reasonable excuse to buy more supplies. She was also an excellent cook and accomplished baker. Barbara was a staunch Democrat, a devoted viewer of MSNBC, and an enthusiastic follower of the news. She believed every citizen should vote and that anyone who skipped an election surrendered the right to complain afterward. This was both a civic principle and, potentially, an excellent way to shorten some conversations. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, generosity toward others, artistic eye, welcoming homes, good meals, firm opinions, and unwavering belief that civic participation is not optional. In lieu of flowers, please honor Barbara by voting in the upcoming elections—and, in keeping with her standards, by arriving informed, or by a donation to PEO or The United Way of West Virginia.