Christine Birdwell Keeney

KEENEY, CHRISTINE BIRDWELL, 94, of Lubbock, passed away on October 28, 2014. Christine Golden Birdwell was born on June 16, 1920, in Snyder, Texas, to John L. Birdwell, a well-respected rancher, and Cordelia Golden Birdwell. She graduated from Ralls High School and attended Texas Tech University, leaving a semester shy of graduation to marry Raymond Allen Keeney, an Army Air Corps pilot from Somersville, Connecticut who was stationed at Reese Air Base. Ray died a few months later on April 24, 1942 in a plane crash while on a training flight for World War II. His mother, Elise Ellwood Keeney, so loved her daughter-in-law that she stayed close to the family and brought Chris and Ray’s older brother together. On November 24, 1945, Chris married William Ellwood Keeney, a rancher who was a descendant of I. L. Ellwood and W.L. Ellwood, founders of the Spade Ranch. Chris was a loving wife and mother whose focus was always on caring for her family and friends. She and Bill raised four children in Lubbock, Texas, and were lifelong members of St. Paul’s on the Plains Episcopal Church. In her later years, Chris became the recipient of love and care from many wonderful caregivers. The family extends special gratitude to Connie Garcia, Rosa Rodriguez, and Nicki Bailey. Chris was predeceased by her parents and her husband Bill. Survivors include a son, William Ellwood Keeney of Lubbock and his devoted companion Patty Terrell of Santa Fe; three daughters and their spouses, Elise and Burk Murchison of Dallas, Leigh and Jeff Jones of Lubbock, and Mary Keeney and Charles Palmer of Austin; nine grandchildren, Michael McPhaul and wife Becky, Catherine Bonner and husband Stayton, John McPhaul, Sara Palmer and partner Bethany Stevens, William Palmer, Elise Aberg and husband Andrew, Will Murchison and wife Lucy, Clint Murchison, and Christopher Keeney; and six great grandchildren. Services will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on October 31, 2014, at2:00 p.m., with Rev. Kara L. Wischmeyer, visiting pastor of St. Paul’s officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Sanders Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Joe Cadena, Michael McPhaul, John McPhaul, William Palmer, Will Murchison, Clint Murchison, and Christopher Keeney. Honorary pallbearer will be John Akiard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Paul’s Memorial Fund, Hospice of Lubbock, or a favorite charity.

Christine Birdwell Keeney

October 16, 1920 - October 28, 2014