Kate W. Keffer, 89 of New Castle, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. She was born on December 1, 1936, in Willis, Virginia.
Upon graduating from Willis High School in 1955, she attended secretarial school in Roanoke, Virginia. While there, a friend, Shirley Keffer, introduced Kate to her brother, Bobby (Hammer). Six months later, they married and moved to the Sinking Creek Valley. She will be remembered for her work ethic, sense of humor, quick wit, and potato salad.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keffer; parents, William and Ada Weeks; eight sisters; and two brothers.
She is survived by sister-in-law, Shirley Garman; daughter, Joan Caldwell (husband Robbie); sons, Lyndell Keffer (wife Mary Ann Cantley Keffer), and Lane Keffer (wife Angie Ferguson Keffer); grandchildren, Sara Caldwell Santos (Mike), Abby Caldwell, Ashley Chicette, Mallory Keffer, Evan Keffer, Levi Keffer (Alydia), and Chase Keffer; also surviving are 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank her caregivers, Tracy Early, Alydia Keffer, and Bobbie Hunter. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff in the memory care unit at Friendship Salem Terrace. Memorial donations can be made to Bethel United Methodist Church.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Bethel United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Ross Cemetery. The family received friends from 10 AM to 11 AM before the service.