Mary R. Keister, also known as aunt Mary and Mrs. K. Passed away Sept. 2, 2017.She was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 30, 1938, graduated from Adrian High School in 1956. She was an accomplished trumpet and cornet player in the Marching Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Pep Band and Dance Band, both in high school and her freshman year at Bowling Green State University, Sophomore through graduation at San Diego State University, she held office in the Girls Athletic Assoc. and a member of Phi Mu Sorority.

Upon graduation, Mary taught P.E. and coached at both Cathedral and Regina Coeli Girls Catholic High Schools in San Diego, followed by teaching and coaching plus an advisor to the Drill Teams at both Chaffey and Ontario High Schools. Their award-winning performances in parades and competitions around the state were a great source of joy and pride for her. They were invited to participate in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade every year. During her years at Ontario H.S. Mary also attended Los Angeles and Fullerton State Colleges to develop and implement an adoptive P.E. program, whose curriculum was designed for each students' abilities.

In 1985 she was chosen for a 2-year teaching contract through the Dept. of Defense at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany. To implement an adoptive P.E. program. In 1991 she returned to California, upon the sudden illness and passing of her mother, Elizabeth Atkin. Missing being with family, Mary came to Lemoore to live with her sister Sue and her family. Loving being out of busy Southern California and finding a huge need for special education teachers at the elementary level. After subbing for a year, she began teaching full time at Avenal Elementary School until she retired. Every year they would participate in the California State Special Olympics.

After retirement, Mary was delighted to apply for, train and become a docent at the Chaffee Zoo. She was chosen to present a program she developed at their National Convention, and doing school visits to the Zoo Education Center.
But eventually she returned to the classroom, as a Special Ed Tutor at Cinnamon Elementary, and just loved it there.
She enjoyed gardening, growing dwarf citrus trees, vegetables and flowers in her back yard. Mary and her sister would take a stroll almost every day in the cul-de-sac, with her cats lined up behind like her entourage. When Mary was in the rehab center, Sue and Tom went almost every day to visit, go for walks and attend her physical occupational therapy.

She is survived by her son Ken, her sister Susan Martinez Olsen, Nephew Thomas Martinez, great-nephews; Chad Rees, Cleiton Lines and his family; Amber, Ian, Greyson and Liam. Great-Nieces; Kira Martinez, Elizabeth Williams and her family; husband Geoff,and their children; Madilyn, Hudson and Mya, Kindra Martinez Davis and her family; husband Jordan, and daughther; Avarie, Savannah Cook and her family; husband Jimmy, and their children; James, Jacob and Josiah, great-nephew Cody Martinez and Mary Anderson who moved here with Thomas to spend extra time with Mary and her sister.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the California State Special Olympics.

Funeral Services are pending.
The family wishes to thank Yost & Webb Funeral Care and especially Veronica for all her support and guidance during the time of their loss.