MARGARET W. "WENDY" KEATON, age 64, of Valparaiso, lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in her home on Sunday, April 21, 2013. Margaret was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Mayernik. She is survived by her husband, Paul Keaton of Valparaiso, two sons, Matthew (Kimberly) Tilley of Griffith, IN; Jason Tilley (Katie Denham) of New Buffalo, MI; father, Stephen Mayernik of Highland; four sisters: Pamela (Robert) Jensen of Griffith; Debbie Mayernik (Sam Lazzaro) of Griffith; Stephanie (Steve) Habenicht of Crown Point and Christine (George) Scheeringa of Highland, three grandchildren and a large extended family of cousins, nieces & nephews; the relationships with whom she cherished greatly.
Margaret retired from the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #20 Pension Fund where she took a great deal of personal pride caring for "Her Retirees". Per her wishes, there will be no visitation. Following cremation, a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Portage First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool Road, Portage, with Rev. Dennis Ticen officiating. In lieu of flowers, it was Margaret's wish that memorials be made to Portage First United Methodist Church. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at VNA Hospice of Porter County for their compassionate care. For information please call Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage, 219-762-3013 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.