Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Bernice (known as Bunny) Ann Keyes (Archer) of sunny Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, in the calm afternoon at the grand age of 88 years.

Bunny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack R. Keyes (1933-2018); her parents Joseph Archer and Mary Archer (Marolf); and her sister Mary Jane Weber (Archer). Bunny was also preceded in death by Aunt Kate Fisher (Keyes), whom she cared for deeply.

Bunny is survived by her four loving children: Sandra (Matthew) VanStratt of New Port Richey, FL, Stephen (Kelley) Keyes of Hudson, FL, Susan Keyes of New Canaan, CT, and Julia (Jeffrey) Vasta of Palm Harbor, FL.

She was a devoted grandmother to Jacob (Dana) VanStratt and their children Jasmine, Jacob, Marilyn, Lillian, and Claira; Kristin (Alan) Parmenter and their children Ella and Delia; Cassandra (Leo Jamez) and their children Alana Clair, Breana Clair, and Maverick Jamez; Carson (Chrissy) Keyes and their daughter Lyla Keyes; Taylor Vasta; Alexander Vasta; Katherine (Marshall) Kozma; Anna (Chase) Burwell; Amélie and Tristan Khiar.

She is also survived by her beloved brother, William Archer; along with many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Her faithful dog, Max, brought her much joy and companionship in her later years.

Bunny was born on April 4, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Mary Marolf (Archer). After the early passing of her mother, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Anna Marolf (Hyland) and William Harley Marolf, in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

After graduating from Iron Mountain High School in June, 1954, Bunny moved to Lansing, Michigan, where, on October 16, 1954, she married the love of her life, Jack R. Keyes. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with unconditional love, compassion, adventure, and strong family values.

Bunny dedicated herself to both her family and her career, touching many lives along the way. Bunny’s long and fulfilling career spanned many fields, showcasing her commitment and dedication to each role she held. Her career began as a secretary for the State of Michigan in the 1950’s, then she moved to Wilson township Michigan where she worked as a school secretary at Wilson township school and for a pathologist in the summer, with a passion for educating women.  She returned to Lansing, Michigan in the 1960’s. She then worked in food services for the Lansing School District until she took 5 years off to be at home for her twin daughters’ early years.  With great love for children and improving their education, she returned to the Lansing School District in 1975, where she worked as an elementary school secretary until her retirement April 6, 1994. For twenty years she was the elementary school secretary at Pleasant Grove, Wainright, Valley Farms, and Gunnisonville schools.

After retiement, Bunny and Jack moved to Florida to enjoy the beauty of the Sunshine State and be closer to family. She was the office manager at Trinity Medical Associates in Trinity, Florida, from November, 2003 to June, 2024, where she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and compassion.

Bunny loved traveling, going on cruises with her family, cooking, reading, embroidery, making baskets, watching old movies, and recently took up weaving and pottery.  She taught many of her children, grandchildren and their friends various crafts and cooking skills, as well has how to grow beautiful orchids and raspberries.

She was an avid family historian, passionate about genealogy, sharing great life stories with family, keeping everyone together, especially around the holiday seasons. Her unconditional love created a home which warmly welcomed all, anytime, for as long as they wanted.

Bunny had a strong Catholic faith which was central to her life. She was a dedicated parishioner and lived her faith through her kindness, generosity, humility, and love and service for others.

As we grieve Bunny’s passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her loved ones in the presence of our Lord.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday Nov 23 at 1:00 pm at St.Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church with internment to follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, Fl.