With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Rosaleen Ethel Heil, age 89, a devoted mother, loving grandmother, thoughtful friend, and devout Christian, who left this world on Friday, March 13, 2026, to join her Lord and family members who have passed before her. She led a life full of unwavering love for her family.
Rose was born on November 17, 1936, on Bunner Ridge in Fairmont, West Virginia, the ninth child of William “Willie” and Mary Ruth Fletcher Keener.
She was preceded in death by many family members: her parents; her beloved husband, Jack, who passed away August 15, 1976; and her ten brothers and sisters: Kathern Kadell Keener, William Clifton Keener, and Conley Keener (who died in infancy); Owen Eugene Keener; Mary Louise McCourt (Otha); Wannalee Vandergrift (Denzil); Betty Lucille Harbert (Steve); Nelda Marie Rush (Delbert); Myrtle Belle Sloan (Charles); and Ronald Edwin Keener.
Rose is survived by her family, who will miss her deeply: her cherished sons, Rick (Kathy) of Wallace, WV, and Jack (Carmen) of Wheeling, WV; her precious granddaughters, Jacqueline and Corrine; dear family friends Patricia Sersen and Margie Ball; sister-in-law Andrea Keener; and many nephews, nieces, and friends, who will always remember her with great love and fondness.
Rose volunteered at Oglebay Park’s Mansion Museum, where she dressed in period costumes to give authentic tours. She served as a Cub Scout den mother and homeroom mom. Rose was an instructional teacher assistant for kindergarten students at both North Park Primary and Woodsdale Elementary schools, and she worked as a paraprofessional at Elm Grove Elementary, where she provided a calm, loving environment for her students. Upon her retirement from Ohio County Schools, Rose assumed the role that gave her the most joy: caring for her granddaughters. Those days were truly the happiest of her life.
When her granddaughters entered school, Rose reentered the workforce and provided childcare in the after-care program at Woodsdale Elementary for several years. She absolutely loved working with the kids. Her gentleness and kindness earned the love and respect of her students and coworkers. During the past two years, Rose worked as an associate at TJ Maxx, where coworkers admired and adored her.
Along with providing care for her family and working diligently, Rose loved being a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Elm Grove. She was also known for being an excellent cook who delighted in setting a festive table and making large holiday meals for her family.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2-7 PM at Kepner Funeral Homes, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732) and again on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 12 PM until the time of service at 1 PM at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 141 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV with Pastor Timothy Crummitt officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling, WV.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 141 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.
