Dorothy M. Keener

Dorothy M. Keener, 94, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at a Topeka hospital. She was born January 17, 1931, in Osage City, Kansas, to Everett and Edna (Miller) Benton.

Dorothy was a proud graduate of Osage City High School and later attended Emporia State Teachers College. She spent many years working at Topeka Aircraft Sales and Service, where she was known for her dedication and kind spirit. Faith and service were central to her life—she was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and enjoyed the fellowship of the Prime Timers Bowling League.

On August 22, 1952, Dorothy married the love of her life, Louis H. Keener, in Osage City, Kansas. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and family. After retiring, Dorothy and Louie enjoyed traveling and savoring time together. Dorothy especially cherished sitting outside the home they shared for more than 50 years, relaxing in aluminum lawn chairs while listening to the Kansas City Royals on the Coca-Cola radio.

Family was everything to Dorothy. She took great pride in making sure every family gathering was warm, welcoming, and full of fun. Some of her most treasured traditions included fireworks bought just across the state line, letting her grandchildren drive the lawn mower well before most would consider a safe age, and enthusiastically hosting games of the now-infamous “illegal” lawn darts. These moments of joy, laughter, and just a little mischief are memories her family will forever hold close.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her children, Everett (Louise) Keener of Baldwin, Kansas, and Teresa L. “Terri” (Don) Gibbs of Harlingen, Texas; her grandchildren, Tara (Travis) Habhab, Jared Gibbs, Micah (Rolly) Gibbs-Gonzalez, Logan (Genesis) Keener, and Cody (Jamie) Keener; and her great-grandchildren, Shawn Gibbs, Haven, Hollyn, and Tyson Habhab, Myles Gonzalez, and Clementine Keener. She is also survived by a special nephew, Ralph Keener, along with many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Private inurnment will take place at Emmanuel Cemetery, southeast of Topeka, at a later date.

Dorothy’s family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and messages of comfort in the guestbook below.