Barbara J. Keene, 83, of Rapid City, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

She was born on December 11, 1939, in Custer, SD to Jim and Jean (Passell) O'Connell.

During her childhood, Barbara's family moved often, because of her father's job in road construction, and had many fond, memorable adventures. They settled in Rapid City where Barbara graduated from Rapid City Central High School.

She graduated from the National College of Business with a degree in accounting.

Barbara married David Keene in Rapid City on July 10, 1960. They made their home in Rapid City where they raised their three daughters Kellie, Kathie and Krista.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Firehouse Restaurant and her brother's company, Environmental Products.

Barbara was the family Matriarch, the glue that held the family together.  She was a natural caregiver, taking care of her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother in-law and sister in-law.

She welcomed airmen from Ellsworth AFB into her home for holiday meals since they were away from their own families.

Private inurnment of her ashes will take place in late August at Black Hills National Cemetery.