WEBSTER - Elizabeth M. ‘Betty’ (Smith) Keegan, 85, passed away Sunday, May 27,2012 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Edward J. ‘Red’ Keegan, Jr., her brother Dr. Harry C. Smith and her parents; Bennett J. Smith, Sr. and Anna H. (Gatzke) Smith and a son –in-law ;Dr. Tom J. Wachtel.

She is survived by her four children, Edward J. Keegan, III and his wife Judith-Ann, Lynn Wachtel, Brian T. Keegan and his wife Janet, and Maura E. Aniello and her partner Brian Colleran, Eight grandchildren; Matt, Taryn, Emilie, Travis, Justin, Nicole, Darren and Greg, and six great grandchildren, Juliana, Savannah, Ciaran, Tabian, Lyla, and Adylin.

Betty was a graduate of Bartlett High School class of 1944 and Concordia College where she earned a business degree. She was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, and a Corporator and Trustee of Webster Five Cent Savings Bank for many years.

Family was the most important thing in Betty’s life, and she was an exceptional role model to her children and grandchildren, for her remarkable work ethic, humor and strong spirit. She was the guiding force at Gatzke Hardware for 65 years, spanning four of its five generations.

Betty will also be missed by those she touched in her business life and by just being herself, a hard working Lady who was always there to help.

Calling Hours for Betty will be Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Robert J. Miller Funeral Home and Lake Chapel, 366 School St.

The Funeral Service and Burial will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made to : The Memorial Fund at Zion Lutheran Church, 70 Main St., Oxford, MA. 01540.

On Line Guest Book: RJMillerfunerals.net