Anna Keating

Anna Louise Keating, 79, passed away February 20, 2011 with her family at her side. She was born July 8, 1931 in Spokane, WA to John and Louise (Donnelly) Walsh. Luke grew up in Spokane where she attended Holy Names Academy and was a cheerleader for Gonzaga High School. After completing a secretarial course, she moved to Portland, OR where she pursued her career with Western Chemical Company. It was there she met Thomas F. Keating. He told her to leave the premises where he was tending bar because she was underage. Later he invited her to the spring formal at Portland University which she accepted. On August 22, 1953 they were united in marriage at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane. They moved to Billings, MT to begin their family life. Tom worked for an oil company and they moved to Bismarck, ND and Oklahoma City before moving back to Billings in 1966. Luke became involved with the schooling and school activities of her five children. Football tailgate parties, post-game Chili Feeds, wrestling concession stand operations for divisional tournament and searches. She was devoted not only to her family, but to the community and her faith as an active member of St. Thomas Church. She served on the committee for the building of the Chapel at the womens prison in Billings and was active in interventions for young people. In her “free” time she enjoyed her “Lunch Bunch”, swimming, knitting and crocheting. An active woman, Luke had several businesses that she ran out of her home including a womans clothing business. When Tom was in the State Legislature, she organized a shopping and theatre trip via Amtrack to Minneapolis for the legislative wives. They shopped the Mall of America and enjoyed the musical Phantom of the Opera after which they boarded the train for the ride home. She was given the title “Mother Superior” by the group. Luke is survived by Tom, her husband of 57 years, children T. J., Mike (Barbara), Cabbie (Joe) and Terry (Mary); her sister Angela Walsh and seven grandchildren Chris, Corey, Collin, Katy, Michael, Hannah, Emma, all Keatings. She was preceded in death by her son Pat and her sister Maureen Mattoon. The family is sincerely appreciative of the wonderful loving care given Luke by the Sharath and staff at Hansen Cottage, St. Johns Lutheran Ministries. Memorials: Memorials may be sent to Catholic School Foundation, Luke and Pat Keating Scholarship Fund, and the Mental Health Crisis Center. Service: Vigil Thursday night 7:00 PM, Dahl Funeral Chapels. Mass 10 AM Friday St. Thomas Church, interment at a later date.