Vera M. McKeough

Jan. 12, 1926 - Mar. 24, 2018

GRANGER - Vera Maxine (Hoff) McKeough, 92, of Granger, Indiana passed away on March 24, 2018 at Wellbrooke of South Bend, The Center for Health & Wellness. Vera was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana on January 12, 1926, the daughter of John S. and Pearl E. (Crowther) Hoff.

Vera met James B. McKeough while working at Studebaker Automobile Company in the engineering department. They married on September 7, 1946 in the rectory of St. Joseph Church, South Bend, Indiana. Jim was Catholic, and Vera remained Methodist. Jim preceded Vera in death on July 31, 1993.

Surviving Vera is a daughter, Pamela M. McKeough of Indianapolis; son, Michael J. McKeough; his wife, Patti Alden of Granger; and one granddaughter, Hayley Moore and her husband Coley Moore, also of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis M. Love and Norma H. Reuter; as well as two brothers, Ernest W. Hoff and Erwin J. Hoff, Sr.

Vera attended Lincoln Grade School and enjoyed art. She had a wonderful art teacher, Mrs. Chamberlain, who always encouraged her and helped her develop her talent. Vera graduated from John Adams High School and took drafting classes. During high school, she worked at the Melrose Candy Store in Mishawaka, and later, at Ball Band as a cashier in the cafeteria. After graduation, she worked at Studebaker as a draftswoman.

Vera was a homemaker who stayed at home for many years to raise her children. She later returned to work doing patent drafting for Tom Hayes, an artist who worked in the art and drafting departments of a number of companies, and was a sports and editorial cartoonist.

She had many artistic talents including sewing, knitting, and needlework, but her true passion was china painting. Her paintings won a number of ribbons at the Indiana State Fair. She was past president of the Clara Shively Chapter of the China Art Association and also past president of the Chat and Paint Porcelain China Painters Association.

Vera's faith was a very important part of her life. She was an active member of the Maple Lane United Methodist Church for many years and, when it closed, she attended Clay United Methodist Church and Granger Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Palmer Funeral Home, Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM at the Palmer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington Street, Suite 1180-South, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.