Velma A. (Ross) Keech, age 78, of Harrah, Okla., was born July 9, 1927, near Mansfield, Mo. She was the daughter of Arthur A. and Ruthie Caroline (Mackey) Ross. She left this life March 6, 2006, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Velma was a homemaker and did in-home childcare for many years. She was a long-time member of the Lighthouse Family Church in Harrah, Okla.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe T. Keech; three brothers; four sisters and two infant sons. She is survived by three sons, Kerry Branstetter of Jacksonville, N.C., Kevin Branstetter of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Brian Branstetter of Anchorage, Ark.; one daughter, Susan Fritzemeyer of Blanchard, Okla.; eight grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the Lighthouse Family Church in Harrah, Okla. with Rev. David Dick and Rev. Delbert Reed officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2006 at the Nancy Newton Cemetery near Mansfield, Mo. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, Okla.