Elizabeth J. Keith 1927-2024

Elizabeth was born to Aloysius and Helen Keller in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 23, 1927, the youngest sibling to her brother Paul and sister Ruthe, to whom she was known as “Betty Jane.”

Betty Jane graduated from Brentwood High School in 1945. She worked for Peoples Natural Gas Company in Pittsburgh as a secretary and met Joseph “JJ” Koss while golfing. They were married Dec. 26, 1957, and had five children, Anne Lutz (Steve), John Koss (Joan), Mary Koss, Paulette Koss and George Koss (Lisa). To her children, she was a loving and comforting mother who always knew and fostered her children’s needs and interests.

The family moved to Youngstown, where Betty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at Youngstown State University in 1972. Following Elizabeth and JJ’s divorce, she met Dennis Keith while participating in Parents Without Partners (PWP). Betty and Dennis were married Jan. 29, 1983, and welcomed Dennis’ sons Kevin and Markham into the family. She taught at Lincoln and West Elementary schools in Youngstown, retiring after more than 20 years of teaching.

Betty and Dennis enjoyed their dog and cats, and added several foster cats to their household. They also enjoyed gardening, traveling to gospel music shows and spending time with grandchildren Libby, Alex, Robert (Katie), Andrew (Taylor), Michael, Nicole and Jennifer.

Elizabeth spent her later years at The Inn at Christine Valley, where the staff fondly knew her as “Liz.” She enjoyed reading novels, playing bingo and watching Catholic Mass. She will be sadly missed by her children and grandchildren.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at The Inn at Christine Valley for their loving care for Elizabeth.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Betty 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

A funeral service will follow 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Betty’s family.

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