Marcena P. Keating

Marcena (Marcie) P. Keating, a beloved mother, grandmother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Born on March 15, 1939, in Tipton, Kansas, she enriched the lives of many during her remarkable journey.

Growing up on a farmstead with nine siblings, Marcie learned the importance of resourcefulness and making do with what she had. These lessons shaped her character throughout her life. Her great sense of humor, infectious smile, and ability to find joy in even the silliest situations endeared her to all who knew her. She brought out the best in others and cherished every moment spent with friends and family, including sipping coffee with her friends every Friday morning.

Marcie attended Tipton Grade School and graduated from Tipton High School in the Class of '57. She proudly remembered being a local Spelling Bee Champion. After graduating, she attended Emporia State University, where she met Francis (Frank) Keating, the man she would marry in 1960 and follow to Junction City, Kansas, where she lived her adult life.

Marcie dedicated over 30 years of her life as a school bus driver for the children living in the Geary County USD 475 school district. Her involvement in her community extended beyond driving, as she also worked in the school lunchroom, ran admissions at sporting events, and actively participated in Prayer and Action events, always happy to mingle with students, share laughter, and make connections.

An active member of the Circle IV Women's Group at St. Xavier Catholic Parish, Marcie’s unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life. She profoundly valued her small-town roots, embracing the principle of caring for family and community. She was very proud of her five children, and found abundant joy in her 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her legacy will continue to shine through them, as she instilled in each the values of kindness, generosity, and the importance of family. Marcie sacrificed much to ensure her children's happiness and success, always maintaining a presence at their sporting events, concerts, and performances. She was the family cook for every holiday feast and spoiled everyone with her baked goods and famous fudge.

Marcie was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Francis, on April 25, 2009, as well as her parents Joseph and Monica Hollerich, her daughter and son-in-law Judy and Mark Allen, one granddaughter Becky, and her sisters Katherine Scheutz, Lou Ann Dilner, Virginia Mullins, and Carol Kline, along with her brother Charles Hollerich.

She is survived by her sons Jeff (Joan), Jim (Michelle), and John (Kaylyn) Keating; daughter Jacki (Shawn) Diederich; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister Bea Long; and brothers Ken, Harold, and Joe Hollerich, who carry on her spirit, and her loving family who will forever cherish her memory.

Visitation services will be held at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, Kansas, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The recitation of the rosary will take place at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Junction City, Kansas. 

Memorial contributions have been designated to the St. Xavier Catholic School.