Obituary for Minerva Mitchell "RayLee" Keyser (Mitchell)
Minerva (RayLee) Dize Mitchell Keyser died Sunday May 16, 2021 peacefully at her home in Kilmarnock with family at her bedside. She was the loving wife of William (W.R.) Keyser, Jr.
RayLee was born November 1, 1931 to the late Hency C. and Emma Jesse Shehigh Mitchell in Ditchley. She attended Wicomico High School, Catonsville Community College and the University of AZ.
She was preceded in death by sisters, Elizabeth, Louise and Betty Lou; brothers, Henry Jr. (Buddy) and Joseph. She was also preceded in death by Dr. G. Kenneth Reiblich, Charles Voss and George Elbourn.
She is survived by her sister, Ann Wills of Poway, CA.; children, George W. Reiblich of Tucson, AZ., David M. Reiblich (Debbie) of Kilmarnock, Carroll W. Reiblich (Jo-An) of Lancaster. She is also survived by step-children, Paul Keyser of UT, John Keyser of FL, Denis, Leonard, Mark, and James Keyser of Kilmarnock, Helen and Jane of Richmond. and their spouses; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as other family members and lifelong friends. RayLee (a nickname given to her by her brother Buddy), was known as "Top Shelf" by friends and neighbors.
While living in Tucson, AZ she was Past President of P.E.O. Chapter E. A Philanthropic and Educational Organization., member of the University Faculty Women's Club,
Past Regent and Chaplain of DAR of Tucson, AZ. She continued to be active with DAR on her return to Virginia.
She was Past Matron and Secretary of Sunshine Chapter #38 Order of Eastern Star of Arizona.
She taught Sunday school at the First Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ and active at Bluff Point Methodist Church. She wanted to give back to the church she grew up in.
She wrote several books about the Northern Neck and while in Arizona returned to Kilmarnock for a book signing for her "Remembering" memories of growing up on the Northern Neck. (About growing up in Ditchley).
She wrote "Down Memory Lane" when she was almost 80 and the life history of W. R. Keyser.
After her return to Kilmarnock, she was active at Bluff Point Methodist Church and past president of Bluff Point Methodist Women, and a past Notary for the Commonwealth.
She was a Member of St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church in Kilmarnock.
A Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Hospice of Virginia, 1328 Tappahannock Blvd., Tappahannock, VA 22560.
"Silently the angels took mother into the mansion above, there shall she rest from earth's toiling, safe in the arms of God's love"
RayLee was born November 1, 1931 to the late Hency C. and Emma Jesse Shehigh Mitchell in Ditchley. She attended Wicomico High School, Catonsville Community College and the University of AZ.
She was preceded in death by sisters, Elizabeth, Louise and Betty Lou; brothers, Henry Jr. (Buddy) and Joseph. She was also preceded in death by Dr. G. Kenneth Reiblich, Charles Voss and George Elbourn.
She is survived by her sister, Ann Wills of Poway, CA.; children, George W. Reiblich of Tucson, AZ., David M. Reiblich (Debbie) of Kilmarnock, Carroll W. Reiblich (Jo-An) of Lancaster. She is also survived by step-children, Paul Keyser of UT, John Keyser of FL, Denis, Leonard, Mark, and James Keyser of Kilmarnock, Helen and Jane of Richmond. and their spouses; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as other family members and lifelong friends. RayLee (a nickname given to her by her brother Buddy), was known as "Top Shelf" by friends and neighbors.
While living in Tucson, AZ she was Past President of P.E.O. Chapter E. A Philanthropic and Educational Organization., member of the University Faculty Women's Club,
Past Regent and Chaplain of DAR of Tucson, AZ. She continued to be active with DAR on her return to Virginia.
She was Past Matron and Secretary of Sunshine Chapter #38 Order of Eastern Star of Arizona.
She taught Sunday school at the First Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ and active at Bluff Point Methodist Church. She wanted to give back to the church she grew up in.
She wrote several books about the Northern Neck and while in Arizona returned to Kilmarnock for a book signing for her "Remembering" memories of growing up on the Northern Neck. (About growing up in Ditchley).
She wrote "Down Memory Lane" when she was almost 80 and the life history of W. R. Keyser.
After her return to Kilmarnock, she was active at Bluff Point Methodist Church and past president of Bluff Point Methodist Women, and a past Notary for the Commonwealth.
She was a Member of St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church in Kilmarnock.
A Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Hospice of Virginia, 1328 Tappahannock Blvd., Tappahannock, VA 22560.
"Silently the angels took mother into the mansion above, there shall she rest from earth's toiling, safe in the arms of God's love"