Priscilla Gayle Keefer is remembered for her generosity and kindness

Priscilla Gayle Keefer passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the age of 97, and is remembered for her generosity, philanthropic heart, and pure kindness.

Gayle served over 41 years on the Talcott Free Library board. She served in several capacities including as Talcott Library board president. She was in attendance at the library's 125 anniversary celebration in 2017.

Gayle was also a long time member of Rockton Women's Club. She served as the chair of several positions including being a past president in the 1980's.

She was a member of a local miniature club and had a love of detailed houses. One of the dollhouses from Gayle's collection sits near the Keefer Room in Talcott Free Library, which is the story hour room. Another of her dollhouses now graces the Rockton Township Historical Society museum.

Gayle married William Keefer in 1951. They were married until his death in 2008.

The William and Gayle Keefer Nature Preserve sits on property near their former home. Gayle gave a substantial donation toward the development of the preserve in 2017. The preserve opened in 2020 after the Natural Land Institute received a grant.

Gayle was born in Oak Park IL. on October 24, 1928. Gayle's parents moved to Evanston, Illinois where she and her sister lived.

She graduated from Northwestern University and became a teacher. She taught at a one room schoolhouse in Elgin, all eight grades, until urban sprawl took over. She taught mostly farm kids whose parents had no interest in educating them.

Later, Gayle was a substitute teacher at Rockton Grade School.

Gayle moved up to Beloit from Mt. Prospect when her husband started working for Warner Electric Brake and Clutch, where he became president and CEO.

When property became available in 1965 for their new home on Old River Road, the family investigated it and decided to live there. The home was always warm and welcoming to all. The Keefers supported a number of foreign exchange students over the years. They were founding members in the Stateline Community Foundation and in 1986, established the Gayle and William Keefer Professorship in the Humanities at Beloit College.

She spent the winter months in Florida with her husband. Gayle moved to her new home in Chicago in 2009, after her husband's passing.

Gayle was a world traveler, visiting different countries with her husband and family.

Gayle was a dedicated lifelong volunteer. While living in Beloit, Gayle was a scout leader for Brownies, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She started a Girl Scout troop in the log cabin on Main Street in Rockton.

She is survived by her daughter Kirsten of Rockton, daughter in law Marsha, and two grandchildren Jillian (Chase) McClendon and Derek, one great grandson Marsden, and great granddaughter LeAnna.

She is predeceased by her husband William and son Keith, and her parents, and a sister.

No services are planned at this time.