Emily E. (Keels) Allison

Emily Eileen (Keels) Allison, age 84, died peacefully in Tipp City, Ohio on September 18, 2024 with family by her side. Emily was born May 22, 1940 in Columbus, Ohio to Hollis Keels, Sr and Juanita Keels (Cofer) who proceeded her in death. On June 17, 1962, she married Howard “Bud” Allison who also proceeded her in death on September 16, 2021. Emily graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in Columbus. She was called to Christ at an early age, graduating from Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University) with a degree in Theology. After college, Bud and Emily married and started their family. After Bud was also called in the ministry, Emily saw that she could best serve God by working as a partner and strong addition to every church they served. She taught children and adult classes, chaired numerous church committees and helped lead youth and children’s groups. As their kids started school, Emily returned to work in several capacities including church secretary, bookkeeper for Scot Lad Foods and eventually Lima Family YMCA from where she retired. Emily was known for mailing hundreds of greeting cards per year to family, friends and strangers, planting flowers at her assisted living, cooking her family’s favorites for big holidays and her love for the Cincinnati Reds. After Bud and Emily retired, they moved to Sidney, Ohio and joined Jackson Center Methodist Church.

Emily is survived by her children, David (Kim) Allison of Xenia, Steven (Michelle) Allison of Medina, Deb (Gregg) Cousey of Lima and Joy (Tim) Weir of Kettering. Emily loved her 10 grandchildren, Jon, Zach, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Ryan, Dylan, Sarah, Sam, Collin and Jacob with all her being as well as 12 great grandchildren. She is survived by 4 brothers, Gary (Frances) Keels of Cincinnati, Elmer (Anna) Keels of New Jersey, Eldon Keels of Columbus and Marvin Keels of Louisianna. Emily is proceeded in death by siblings, Hollis Keels Jr, Alesa Steinbrook, Clifford Keels and Dennis Keels. Emily loved a large extended family of in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. She will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Anissa and the entire staff at The Marigold House Assisted Living in Tipp City, Ohio for their love and patience caring for Emily.

Emily’s visitation will be held at Oliver Cheek Funeral Home 420 Main Street, Ashville, Ohio Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024 11:00am at Ohio Christian University Campus Chapel, 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113 with additional visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Barry Burns, Reverend Jim Smith and Rev. David Vanhoose will be memorializing Emily at her homegoing service. Emily’s burial will follow services at Reber Hill Cemetery 16810 Winchester Road, Ashville, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to Oakdale Christian Academy in Jackson, Kentucky, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and The Ohio Christian University. Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com