Veronica "Verna" M. Keyes

Veronica “Verna” M. Keyes, of Portage passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 106 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, located in the mountains of Harrison County. Born on June 28, 1920, Verna lived a long and deeply cherished life marked by devotion to her family, quiet strength, and a warm, loving spirit.

Verna was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Laszar. She grew up in Clarksburg, until the ninth grade, when her family moved to Petoskey, Michigan, along Little Traverse Bay, in northern Michigan. It was there, after the move to Petoskey, that she met the love of her life, Archie Keyes. They were married on March 7, 1938. Together they relocated to the Kalamazoo area where they started their family. They welcomed their three children, Roger, Marge, and Nancy.

Her life was centered on home and family. Verna stayed at home to care for her children as they grew up, giving them the steady love and attention that shaped so much of their lives. She was loving, kind, caring, soft spoken, patient, and wonderful in the eyes of those who knew her best. Her beauty was often remarked upon, and even at 106, she was remembered for skin that seemed timeless.

Verna found joy in the simple and meaningful rhythms of everyday life. Her hobbies revolved around her garden and the canning it would produce, and she took pleasure in the work and rewards of a well-kept home. She loved bowling and visiting a casino.

After Archie retired, they enjoyed many trips in the motorhome often taking other family members with them. Florida was one of her favorite spots in the winter months. Often many of their other trips included wherever Archie was hunting, and she especially enjoyed his hunting trips to Wyoming. She also liked to rock hunt while walking the shorelines of Lake Michigan, finding happiness in the beauty of the natural world around her. She also enjoyed vacationing for many years at Ingersol Lake with her mother and family.

Nothing brought Verna more happiness than time spent with family. She loved holidays and any occasion that gathered everyone together, with Easter holding a special place in her heart. For Easter, she made rabbit cakes for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for years to come. She loved playing cards with family and was known as quite the card shark, bringing laughter and spirited fun to those moments together. Her family also lovingly remembers her cooking, especially her homemade cinnamon rolls, donuts, and sweet potato casserole. She also enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her family.

Verna also treasured the people around her in everyday life. She loved her neighbors and felt blessed to have them, a reflection of the gratitude and warmth that shaped her relationships.

Verna’s life was one of enduring love, family devotion, and gentle grace. She leaves behind a legacy carried in holiday traditions, family recipes, shared card games, garden harvests, and the many quiet acts of care that defined her years. She will be remembered with deep affection and lasting gratitude by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Archie; one son: Roger; granddaughter: Julie; her parents; and eight siblings.

She is survived by her two daughters: Marge Hodgman; and Nancy McDowell; six grandchildren: Roxanne Norman, Tina Warner, Rose (Larry) Jablonski, George (Carolyn) Hodgman Jr, Ruth Polmanteer, and Roger (MaryLynn Wilcox) Keyes; ten great grandchildren: Crystal Norman, Veronica Norman, Anna Fuller, Brandon Bogema, Ashley Mottor, Brian McDowell, Monique Wilcox, Alise Lange, Sara Shankie, and Maranda Hodgman; 19 great-great grandchildren; one great-great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026 at noon at Mt Everest Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering from 1pm to 3pm at Portage/Schoolcraft Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3531, 11611 Shaver Rd, Schoolcraft, MI 49087.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Verna’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

The Keyes family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.