Ralph & Patricia Keffer

Ralph Edward Keffer, 86, and his wife Patricia Jo "Pat" Mehaffey Keffer, 85, both of Limestone, unexpectedly departed this earthly life Monday, March 16, 2026, at their home. They left this life as they had lived it… together. As high school sweethearts they were Married on December 30, 1959. Both had been members of Our Savior Lutheran Church since 1963, and attended several years at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church.

Ralph retired from Holston Defense after over thirty-six years as a Machinist. He was an avid bird watcher taking several trips to Costa Rica. He loved hunting, reading, farming, and the great outdoors. He enjoyed walking through the fields and caring for all of his animals. He was a member of the Johnson City Masonic Lodge #486 and was a past master. He also was a member of Scottish Rite Knoxville Tn. Pat retired from Washington County Board of Education after driving a bus thirty-two years and working as a teachers aid. She enjoyed crafting,reading, volunteer work, playing games and working puzzles. They both enjoyed spending time with their family at every holiday, family reunion, and birthday. They were always there for family and friends. Ralph and Pat were loving parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends to all who knew them.

Ralph was born to the late Ralph S. Keffer and Florence V. Miller. Pat was born to the late Randolph S. Mehaffey and Margaret M. Maxwell. In addition to their parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Keffer and Betty Keffer Jones: Pat was preceded in death by one sister, Tywana Smith.

They are survived by their children, Patricia "Patti" Bales, Ronda Keffer, Ralph R. "Butch" Keffer, Dale E. Keffer (Michele), and Layne Ferguson (Rickey); 11 grandchildren Virginia, Jamie, Nicholas, Justin, Kathryn, Kristen, Julia, Desiree’, Micah, Kylie, Lauren; 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way; numerous cousins, several nieces and nephews on both sides.

The Keffer family will gather to greet friends and share memories on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church - 212 Sunset Dr. Johnson City, TN 37604, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow the Visitation at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Heinold and Pastor Jim Nipper officiating. Committal Service and Interments will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery - 687 Pleasant Grove Rd. beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Everyone who wishes to attend the Committal Service is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. on Saturday. Friends and family may drop by the home of Layne Ferguson.