Ted Keys, 88

Ted Keys age 88 of Elsmere, NE passed away March 15, 2026, in North Platte, NE.

Alva Teddy “Ted” Keys was born on June 26, 1937, in Ainsworth, NE to Laurence and Roxie (Body) Keys. Growing up the only thing Ted ever wanted to be was a cattle rancher. He wanted to “wear out, not rust out”.

Ted attended first through eighth grade at Elsmere 101 North Rural School and graduated from Ainsworth High School as salutatorian at the age of 16, in 1954. Ted bought and drove Grandma Keys single seat Coupe to high school.

Ted married Marlea Hebb on January 28, 1956, in Ft. Pierre, SD. The couple returned to the family ranch near Elsmere where they lived the rest of their years.

Ted was a member of the Nebraska Cattleman’s Association and R-calf. Ted was very involved in the community, serving on the Elsmere School Board, serving in every position. He was on the Purdum Volunteer Fire Department and a 4-H leader. Ted always greeted you with a big smile and a strong handshake. He enjoyed visiting with family, friends, or a stranger. But what Ted enjoyed the most was his family, he and Marlea had four sons Teddy, Perry (Ruth), Bruce, and Larry (Donna), seven grandchildren Kevin (Kim), Kraig, Kristin (Jon Tomasevicz), Jordan (Elizabeth), Ryan (Jessie), Lisa and Amy, and seven great-grandchildren.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith; sister-in-law, Bonnie Keys; sister, Bonnie; brother-inlaw, Joseph Giles; nephew, Jerry Michael Giles; and a niece Karen and her husband Jerry Nance. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 1: 30 p. m. at the United Church of Christ in Purdum, NE. Burial followed in the Purdum Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Christian Challenge at USC or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A visitation and time to greet the family was held on Monday, March 23 , from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www. govierbrothers.com.