Laura L. Keaton

Laura Louise Ference Gulkowski Keaton, 96, of Summerlee, WV died on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Hidden Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in Oak Hill, WV. The third of thirteen children, she was born on July 15, 1912 in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary Levondowski Ference. Mrs. Keaton worked in the Philadelphia shipyards in 1941, was a textile factory worker and a seamstress. She always loved West Virginia and returned to Oak Hill in 1970. Laura loved bowling. In the 80's she enjoyed gardening, flowers and sewing - a master in all of these with only a third grade education. A former husband and the father of her daughters, Carl Usalis as well as five sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. Survivors include husband, Carlos Keaton; three daughters, Bertha Obozian of Philadelphia, PA, Rosemary Miksis of Oak Hill and Jean Mulligan of Oak Hill and two sisters, Jenny Duda of Oak Hill and Stella Karlo of California. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and a fifth generation of five great great grandchildren. A memorial service will be on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. Bill Drennen officiating. Friends may call ½ hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV