Vada Lee Keyes (Carpenter) of Alma sadly passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023. Vada was born on April 24, 1947, in Alma, MI to Raymond and Zora (Sailer) Carpenter. She was married to Victor Keyes of Stanton and lived in Edmore and Whitehall. She has 33 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Vada is survived by her son Brian (Donna) Shaw of Rothbury, MI; Shane Shaw of St. Louis and Stephanie Linares of Alma, Mi., and several stepchildren. Her sister Janice (Joe) Marcelio of McGregor, Ontario, Douglas (Morris) Carpenter of Sarasota Florida and David (Linda) Carpenter of Palmer, Alaksa.; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Zora Carpenter; Stepfather Gerald Lake of Ithaca; brother Greg Carpenter; stepdaughter Nancy Hubbard; stepson Wayne Keyes along with grandsons Hunter Shaw and Keagan Keyes.
Vada was vibrant and spunky, but always with a side of humor. She held several positions but loved working at the Montcalm College bookstore. She enjoyed her co-workers but adored helping the new students. She enjoyed camping and country music, but her favorite activity was watching her children and grandchildren play sports, even in the pouring rain. Vada will be missed and be forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). There will be visitation on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, from 1-3pm at Barden’s Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held directly afterwards.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com