Mary Sue Farrell Keifer
Mary Sue was born on February 22, 1931, in Joplin, Missouri, to James J. and Edith Wheeler Farrell. She was the youngest of four sisters, with Delores Hart of Seattle, Washington; Florence Nixon of Arlington, Texas; and Jacqueline Reiboldt of Wichita, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters.
Mary Sue attended Joplin Senior High School and graduated in 1949. During her high school years, she was a member of the National Honor Society and was named Honorary Cadet Colonel for Army ROTC. She was also a gifted violinist and served as Concert Mistress of the Joplin High School Orchestra. Her love of classical music remained with her throughout her life. She also had a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs and cats.
In 1950, Mary Sue married Cletis Grider of Joplin, Missouri. Together, they had three children, whom they raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mary Sue worked for many years for the U.S. Department of Education as secretary to the Regional Director. In 1981, she married Bill Keifer. Together, they lived in San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; and Palm Springs, California, where they enjoyed golfing together. One of Mary Sue’s favorite memories was sitting in the front row with Bill for a New Year’s Eve concert featuring Luciano Pavarotti.
In 1991, Mary Sue returned to Joplin, Missouri. She spent many years working in the home health care field, caring for patients in their homes. She took great pride and joy in cooking, cleaning, and providing care for those she served. She also worked for many years at the refreshments counter at Silver Wheels Skating Rink, where she became known for occasionally slipping a free treat to the children.
Mary Sue is survived by her three children: daughter Terri Kent (Michael) of Greenwood Village, Colorado; daughter Connie Grider of Westminster, Colorado; and son Thomas Grider of Joplin, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandsons, Max Bernstein of New York City and Matthew Kent of Denver, Colorado. Thomas’s stepchildren, Autumn, Damion, and Natalee, were very fond of Mary Sue and held a special place for her in their hearts.
Mary Sue will be remembered for her love of music and animals, her caring nature, her dedication to helping others, and the many lives she touched throughout her 95 years.
The family will hold a private service. Mary Sue was cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter in her memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO
