Dolores "Dee" June (Best) Keith

Dolores “Dee” June (Best) Keith, 97 of Charleston, Illinois formerly of Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully Monday, March 6, 2023 at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Illinois. Visitation will be from noon until time of service. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois. Memorials in her honor may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Eternal Word Television Network, or Catholic Charities and left at the visitation or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Dolores was born December 1, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Louis and Helen (Schram) Best. She was married to Thomas Keith for 25 years and from this union two children were born. She is survived by her daughter Laura (Michael) Bollan of Charleston, Illinois; her son, Robert Keith of Streamwood, Illinois; two grandchildren, Matthew Bollan, and Melissa (David) Painter; one sister-in-law, Sandra Keith; aunt to Jerome (Deborah) Best, Dennis Best and Sandy Dalzell; great aunt to Kenneth (Ursula) Bachara, John Bachara, and Deana Ritner. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Agnes Wahl; two brothers, Donald (Deloris) Best, and Kenneth (Barbara) Best; nephews, Christopher Best, Bruce Best and Timothy Best; Brother in law’s Jimmy Keith and Allen Keith.

Dolores had been living in Charleston for the past five years before moving to Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon. She was a member at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston. In Dolores’ younger years she was a hand model and an Avon Representative. She continued her work at Sears Roebuck and Zurich Insurance Company as a collections specialist for many years before retiring.

Dolores loved life. She was very social, and she made everyone smile. She was spunky and liked to crack jokes. Her kids felt they never wanted for anything and as she said so many times in the last few days, “our family was close, and we all know that we love each other deeply.”

Dolores was always crafty and made the house a home. She sewed dresses and outfits when the kids were young and painted pottery. She attended many band competitions and every performance or game of her children and grandchildren. She served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years and worked in the school while Rob was going to school. Dolores had a love for others and took in foster children when her kids were young.  One in particular came into their lives for 2 years. Her name was MaryAnn and she is still missed daily.

Dolores loved BINGO, rummy, crosswords, and puzzles. She especially loved weekend getaways, singing loudly in the car, and beautiful sunsets. In her later years she loved going to the Hanover Township Senior Center where she volunteered in the gift shop. In 2011 she was named Volunteer of the Year. When she moved to Charleston, she loved spending all day at the Life Span Center in Mattoon.

When Matthew and Melissa were younger they loved her stories and one in particular, “The purse story” was requested over and over again. Traditions she held with her children; she passed down to her grandchildren.

The family would like to send thanks to the kind and loving caregivers at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home and the amazing Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice care team. You all quickly became family. Thank you.

Dolores never knew a stranger and made friends wherever she went. She will be remembered for her beautiful heart and contagious smile.

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