Dianne Louise Keyes

Dianne Keyes died of complications from a 5-year battle with breast cancer on Wednesday, March 20^th, 2013 at the age of 59. She passed peacefully and painlessly in her home surrounded by her family. Dianne was born August 28^th, 1953 in Olympia, WA to Arthur and Cecilia Vonderohe. She grew up in Vancouver, WA and attended WSU as well as Western Washington University where she graduated with degrees in accounting and sociology in 1984.

Dianne worked as an accountant at Georgia Pacific, Metcalf Hodges, and Anderson Youtsey and later started her own bookkeeping and tax service out of her home. She married Jeph Keyes in 1982 and had two sons, Alexander born in 1987 and Maxwell born in 1992. With the birth of her youngest Dianne devoted herself full time to raising her children. She worked tirelessly to provide a loving and nurturing home for her family and was rewarded with seeing her children grow to become accomplished musicians and artists. She is survived by Alex (wife Kendal Freyer) of Eugene, OR and Max of Tacoma, WA and her husband Jeph of 31 years at the family home in Bellingham, WA.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of the St. Joseph Cancer Center who work to save countless numbers of patients day in and day out. They show tremendous compassion and expertise in an often-thankless occupation. Also, the nurses and staff of the Whatcom Hospice Center deserve especial thanks for their help in getting through these trying times. Many friends from groups as diverse as Lamaze and mother/baby classes to investment club and book club have shown an outpouring of love and support. It is with their help that we continue.

Dianne’s ashes will be scattered across the waters of Bellingham Bay in full view of all the majestic scenery, which she so loved. Whenever we gaze out over the bay we will think fondly of our wife, mother, friend, and confidant and encourage others to do likewise. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations be made to the charity of choice or the advancement of music education.