Jan Andrea Keeling, 69, passed away July 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and vibrant joy. She was born Nov. 17, 1956, in Versailles.
At the age of 13, Jan moved to Dayton, Ohio, before returning to Versailles, where she graduated from Woodford County High School. A woman of deep-rooted faith, she was baptized at the tender age of 4 at First Baptist Church. She later pursued her education at Kentucky State University, where she proudly pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., carrying the values of sisterhood and service throughout her life. Driven by a lifelong passion for caring for others, she graduated from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, earning her associate’s degree in nursing.
Jan’s dedication to her country was exemplary. She began her military service in the Kentucky National Guard as a communication specialist. She later transferred to the 4209th Army Reserve Hospital, where she served as a 91B Combat Medic. It was during her military service that she met her loving and dedicated husband, Ricky Keeling. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in mutual devotion and service. Later in life, Jan became a faithful member of Saint John’s Episcopal Church, where she loved lifting her voice in praise as a dedicated member of the church choir. Jan lived life to the absolute fullest and possessed a creative, adventurous spirit. She had a wide array of passions, from exploring the outdoors – hiking, camping and canoeingto mastering intricate crafts. She was a talented artisan who enjoyed making jewelry, soap, candles and wine, and she found great joy in playing the guitar.
Jan’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ricky Keeling; her beloved daughters, Dawn Fink and Arien Champion; and her cherished grandchildren, Kendyl Phillips, Devan Champion, Elias and Emery Manns. She is also survived by her loving brothers, Donald George and Ernie (Karim) George; her sister, Carol (Aaron) Blair; her adored fur babies, Zoe and Abby; and her beloved feathered babies, Marley Bird and Little Fella, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Phillips and William Marshall.
Jan’s warmth, infectious energy and kind heart touched everyone she met. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held on Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Versailles. Interment will follow on Aug. 10, at 10 a.m. at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Kentucky.
Friends and family members are encouraged to leave messages of support on Jan’s tribute wall at www.blackburnandward.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jan’s memory to Bluegrass Care Navigators, whose compassionate team provided her with exceptional care.