Marcella Ann Keeton

In Loving Memory of Marcella Ann Keeton

Marcella Ann Keeton was born on February 11,1951, in Portland, Oregon to Mandy Jones and Carl DeWeese. She was raised in Portland and attended Portland Public Schools, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1969. 

Marcella continued her education at Western Business College, where she studied business with hopes of building a career in the field. Life eventually led her in another direction, and she went on to dedicate 28 y ears of service to Nabisco, where she built lasting friendships and a strong work legacy. 

In 1973, Marcella married the love of her life, Earl Keeton. They shared 56 wonderful years together, including 53 years of marriage. They built a loving home and raised three children: Latonya, Kobie, and Kanene. Family was the center of Marcella's world. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren Gregory, Kaleeah, Kannon, and Gianna, and her great-granddaughter Gianna, all of whom brought her tremendous joy and pride. 

Marcella enjoyed life fully and embraced the things that made her happy. She was an avid bowler and proudly participated in a bowling league for many years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, where she formed many meaningful friendships and shared laughter and fellowship. Marcella loved staying active and spent many years in the gym lifting weights and working out. 

Marcella was known for many things. She was an excellent cook, even if she did not always feel like cooking. She loved music and had an impressive album collection, though she often joked that someone had "borrowed" the records she could never seem to find. She also loved spending weekends playing Dominoes and Bid Whist with her stepmother as her partner, while her stepfather and husband played against them. After thousands of games, no one could ever fully agree on who won the most - and each person proudly had their own version of the story. 

Above all else, Marcella loved family. She treasured time spent together, valued traditions, and created memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

She was raised by her mother and George Akres alongside her brothers Vance and Darrell, creating lifelong family bonds that remained important throughout her life. 

On May 17, 2026, Marcella passed away peacefully at home after a courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by loved ones. 

Marcella was preceded in death by her fathers, Carl DeWeese and George Akres; her step-mother Laverne DeWeese; her brother, Carl DeWeese Jr.; and her nieces, Shanna Freeman and Bridgette Woods.

She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Mandy Coley; stepmother, Norma Akres; devoted husband, Earl Keeton; children, Latonya Keeton-Lanier, Kobie (Holly) Keeton, and Kanene Keeton; siblings, Phillip (Francine) DeWeese, Kenneth (Beverly) DeWeese, Vance (Debra) Akres, and Darrell (Kimberly) Akres; stepbrothers, Tony Akres and John Cook, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. 

Her strength, warmth, humor, and unwavering love will never be forgotten. 

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