On the morning of January 7, 2016, Miriam "Casey" Keesling died peacefully at her home in the care of her family.  She was 80.

Miriam was born on March 20th, 1935, to Clyde and Yulah Case. She grew up in Conway, Missouri, where she attended school and graduated as valedictorian.  Although she struggled with serious illness as an infant and young child, she went on to become a strong, accomplished, and respected athlete in multiple arenas.  After graduating from Southwest Missouri State College, Miriam spent her professional career doing meaningful work in the field of education.  A teacher of English and of Health and Physical Education, she shared her love of literature and sports with students in the Springfield, Niangua, and Marshfield school districts.  She earned her Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1983 from Southwest Missouri State University, and was a fierce child advocate until she retired. Miriam was instrumental in establishing the AFS chapter in Marshfield, and served on the Marshfield School Board of Education from 1979 - 1994, along with countless other community involvements. She was a lover of nature and a lifelong environmentalist.

She is survived by three children from her marriage to Bill Keesling: Janie Vestal Gleghorn (Rich) of Santa Cruz, California; Julie Keesling Day (David) of Marshfield, Missouri; and William
John Keesling (Tim) of Austin, Texas.  Miriam was "Gran" to five grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Casey O'Dell Null (Chris) and her children Avery and Hudson, Ryan O'Dell (Emily), Carrie Owen Vestal Mack (Travis), Will Vestal, and Riley O'Dell.  Also surviving are her brother Ben Case of San Jose, California, and her sister Angela Van Giesen of Marshfield, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Owen Case.

Her family wishes to thank her long time family physician Dr. Hee-Sun Kim, her hospice nurses Vanessa and Susan, and her hospice aid Crystal, for their loving care of Miriam.

Mark Twain once remarked: "Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience; this is the ideal life."  Miriam Keesling took her love of Twain and his wisdom to heart.  She spent her retirement traveling to see loved ones and new places, enjoying good food and good company.  She was a loyal follower of the Missouri State Lady Bears and could often be seen cheering them on both at home and on the road.  She found great joy volunteering as a patient transporter at Mercy Hospital and working with children on the pediatric floor there.  When able, and when the sun and birds were out, she walked.  And walked, and walked.  Her appreciation of music and art was often shared with her friends and family. Otherwise, it is quite likely you could find her nose deep in a good book, eating chocolate, with a look of contentment and mischief on her face.

Miriam's services will be private. An informal come-and-go gathering for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am to noon on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at Big Momma's, 217 E. Commercial in Springfield, Missouri.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Miriam are invited to plant a tree, hug a child, donate a book to their favorite library, or contribute, however they can, to any good cause which sparks their passion.