Shirley LaRein Keyes
April 23, 1937 - June 3, 2024
Obituary
Shirley LaRein Keyes (Carlson) passed away peacefully in her Des Moines home on June 3, 2024 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was born in Spokane, WA on April 23, 1937 to Carl Henning Carlson and Ruth Margaret Carlson. The family moved to the Seattle area in 1950, where she graduated from Highline High School in 1955. On December 14, 1956, she married Lyle Keyes, who she was happily married to for 58 years. They were blessed with 3 loving children.
Shirley had a successful career as a secretary for 32 years, while also raising her children. After retiring, she spent over 20 years volunteering at SeaTac Airport. Shirley was a family matriarch, who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, and being involved in her community. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, always putting others before herself. Shirley will be very missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Lyle, in 2015. She is survived by sons Edward (Cyndi), Allan (Brenda), and daughter Pamela, grandchildren Danielle (Dustin), Kaitlyn (Zach), Kelci (deceased), Alyssa (Drew), and Derek (Christianna), great grandchildren Lyla and Easton, and sister, Arlene Burton (Jim).
A family inurnment service will be held in July at Washington Memorial Park.
Shirley and I played many cards at HP and was the first to volunteer for many functions. I knew who to call when I needed help.
Shirley was a treasured member of the SEA Airport Volunteer team. In fact, she was even selected as 2023 Volunteer of the Year alongside her volunteer partner Christa. She is dearly missed here at SEA!