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Mildred 'Midge' Metzger Keene, 62, the wife of the Rev. Raymond Keene, died from cancer May 25 in Bel Air. The Keenes came to the Baltimore-Washington Conference from the New Mexico Conference and he has served the William Watters Memorial UMC in Jarrettsville for three years. A laity-led memorial service was held at the church June 11. District Superintendent Tony Hunt participated.

Midge Keene was a trained vascular technician and cardiology technologist. Prior to her marriage in 1982, she served as a missionary to Navajo missions in Farmington, NM. She had a special interest in the history and spiritual wisdom of Native Americans.

After her marriage she served with her husband at churches in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Belize and more recently in Maryland.

She was a talented artist and musician and when in Belize, from 1997-1999, she taught piano lessons and served as the pianist for six churches. She drew and painted, and was a versatile seamstress. She also enjoyed crocheting.

For the past four years, she has been the primary caregiver for her mother.

'Prayer and Bible study have been the cornerstones of Midge?s spiritual life,' said her husband. 'They have resulted in a life of service manifested in the spiritual gifts of teaching and mercy.'

Keene was looking forward to the arrival of their adopted son, Fernando Chun, who is expected from Belize this fall to continue his education. She also leaves an adopted daughter, Sarita Lewis, for whom she made a perfectly fitting wedding gown, though living 2,000 miles apart in Belize.

Survivors include her husband and the two adopted children.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. Ray Keene, 3701 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084.