09/08/2026
Janet Irene Riddell Keedy, 91, died September 6, 2026, at Wellbrooke in Crawfordsville.
She was born to Donald Clair and Olive Mae (Seybold) Riddell at home on a farm southeast of Browns Valley during a blizzard on January 24, 1935. Her father followed the fence to get to his cousin, Blanche Seybold, and Dr. Reed to come help.
Janet moved to Russellville when she was five years old and attended school there until she was in fifth grade. She moved to Alamo on her tenth birthday and graduated from Alamo High School in 1952.
Janet married Robert Ray Keedy in 1954. He preceded her in death in 2006. They were proud parents of three children: Tom Keedy (Sharon), Susan Oaks (Larry), and Laura Stanley (Jay); eight grandchildren: Meredith Keedy-Merk (Erin), Kaylynn Ranspach (Chuck), Hannah Keedy (Emily Palomaki), Ashley Clary (James), Chris Oaks (Melissa), Quentin Rasmussen (Mandy), Emily Alder (Dylan), and Austin Rasmussen (Chloe Rackley); and nine great-grandchildren: Carlyle and Lennon Keedy-Merk, Sawyer and Parker Ranspach, Dylan and John Alder, Sophie Clary, Henry Oaks, and Micah Rasmussen. Janet is also survived by three siblings: Judith Carter, Marabeth Riddell, and Larry Riddell. Their brother Bill Riddell is deceased.
Janet was raised in Browns Valley Baptist Church and Alamo Christian Church and was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for nearly 70 years. She enjoyed her years of service in the Christian Women’s Fellowship where she served as Study Chair in her Circle, President of CWF, and later co-chair of the sympathy dinner committee. She also worked with Olive Hoke, Minister of Education, on many committees, especially assisting with Vacation Bible School, day camp, and Hanging of the Greens.
Janet was a stay-at-home mom for many years. She enjoyed cooking and sewing for the family. She also worked in scouting for many years, once chairing the Girl Scout Cookie Sales for the county. She helped with PTA, tutoring students in reading, baking for the Hoover Fish Fry, and serving as room mom for many classrooms and field trips. She had at least one child in Crawfordsville schools from 1960 through 1987.
Prior to her marriage, Janet worked as a legal secretary for Bud Groves. After her children had graduated, she returned to secretarial work for the Montgomery County Board of Realtors. She enjoyed being an active member of The Athenian, Sugar Creek Quilters, Red Hats, and League of Women Voters, often volunteering to work the polls. She cared deeply about education, community, and speaking up for the rights of all.
Calling will be at Burkhart Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, from 5-8 pm. Janet’s Celebration of Life will be at First Christian Church on Saturday, September 19, at 11:00 am with Ministers Maggie Archibald and Kevin Toth officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to First Christian Church (211 S. Walnut St.) or to the FISH food pantry of Montgomery County (P.O. Box 261)Crawfordsville, IN 47933).
