JoAnne Keep, 97, of Ashland, died on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Brookwood Place Assisted Living in Ashland. Born on August 18, 1923 in LaRue, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (nee Hinklin) and Otho White, and step-daughter to the late Jim Taylor. JoAnne grew up in Richwood and moved to Lorain County in 1954, she eventually retired to Wellington.

JoAnne received her bachelor's degree in education from Ashland College. She taught elementary school, first in Huntington and later at Coshocton Elementary. She was a member of United Church of Huntington as well as the Farm Bureau. JoAnne enjoyed quilting, knitting and crocheting and providing her crafts for her family. She was very athletic and liked to go swimming and was an avid sports fan, enjoying watching the Dukes and the Cleveland Indians. JoAnne was a talented golfer and the only member in her family to have a hole in one, not once but twice.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Margaret) Keep, of West Salem, and George (Nancy) Keep, of Bellville; daughter in law, Rebecca Keep; 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Richard Keep; son, Thomas Keep; and siblings, Rachel Omen and Tom White.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service which will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 3 pm at Huntington Cemetery in Huntington Township. Arrangements have been entrusted to Norton-Eastman Funeral Home and expressions of sympathy may be expressed at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.