Ethel Mae Keys, 95, ascended to heaven on January 12, 2025. She was born in Macon, Georgia, on March 21, 1929. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Benjamin Them; her second husband, Robert Lawrence Keys; her mother, Naomi Bailey Cone; her father, Raymond Cone; her stepfather, Oscar Peterson; her sister, Norma “Tootsie” Rodriguez; her brother-in-law, Alonzo Rodriguez; her adopted daughter, Sharon Kay Them; her brother, Raymond Cone Jr.; and her daughter-in-law, Wanda (Pooh) Them.
Ethel Mae grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and later lived in Mansfield and Ashland, Ohio. She attended Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
She is survived by her adopted son, Steven Douglas Them of Loudonville, Ohio; her loving friend, Shelli Jo-Anne Street of Loudonville, Ohio; her niece, Maria Rodriguez; her loving friend, John Titus; her niece, Carmie Rodriguez; her great-niece, Tonya Smith; her great-nephew, Ryan Peters; and one great-great-niece and two great-great-nephews, all from Alexandria, Virginia.
She is also survived by her four-legged grandpup, Jett, a Great Dane who loved to visit her at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, often jumping on her bed during visits.
Ethel Mae was a member of the Lil’ Washington Congregational Church and enjoyed introducing her son to new friends, proudly saying, “That’s my baby!” She worked in the disc department at Thermodisc for many years and will be remembered as a loving, caring, gentle yet strong mother who loved to dance, knit, and share a good laugh. She will be missed by all.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Tom Oakley, her favorite loving and caring nurse, and to all the staff at The Good Shepherd who took the time to assist in her care.
No services will be observed at this time. Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com
The Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com