July 24, 1943 - March 11, 2022
Jean “Jeannie” Louise (Keith) Klein was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2022, due to a meningitis/encephalitis infection.
Jeannie was born on July 24, 1943, in Algona, and spent most of her school aged life there. She lived in Mississippi for three years during the early 1950s. On Aug. 22, 1964, she married Larry Klein and a year later they graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with their teaching degrees. They were a passionate team of educators who lived and worked in Nevada, Idaho, Iowa, Utah and Wyoming. Jeannie was a classroom teacher for 35 years and was devoted to her students, they had as much of an impact on her as she did on them. Upon retirement she and Larry moved to Sun City, Ariz. where they lived on Viewpoint Lake where they enjoyed wonderful sunsets.
Anyone who has come to know Jeannie knows of her Christ-like love for others, her selflessness and kindness. All who know her will treasure those characteristics. Jeannie cherished ballooning with Larry and loved being his crew chief for 17 years. She enjoyed playing board games and card games with family and friends. She also had a strong love for her country and displayed her patriotism proudly.
Her legacy as a teacher can be seen not only in her impact on students but on her family, with several becoming educators. Jeannie was a passionate advocate for reading and served on boards and councils to promote reading initiatives. At one point she was awarded the Utah Reading Teacher of the year and Uintah School District Teacher of the year.
It was evident that Jeannie adored her family. Jeannie is survived by her loving and devoted husband Larry, sons Keith (Barbara) and Kyle (Trudee), and grandchildren Kaitlyn (27), Robyn (24), Madelyn (23), KaDee (24), Kale (17) and Tate (15). Brother Roger (Sandi) Keith, sister Dixie (Don) Eichelberger, sister-in-law Virginia “Ginny” Johnson and many extended family and friends. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents Kyle and Clara Keith, and brother Lynn Jack Keith, and two brothers-in-law.
A celebration of life will be held on April 24 at the Brigham City Bible church at 1:30 p.m. We will provide a website for those who wish to view the celebration of life on the web. The family requests no flowers or gifts be given. But, if you are called to, you may make a donation to Jeannie‘s favorite charity. Raising Arizona’s Men in Phoenix which provides housing and education for young men who are transitioning from foster care. See the website below for more information and how to make a donation. Jeannie’s passion for teaching and supporting people throughout their lives is continued with her support of this charity.
Raising Arizona’s Men (https://raisingarizonasmen.com/). Use the Donate button or send a check to RAM Ministries in Jeannie’s name, 18426 N 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308