Roylene Ruth Keel

Roylene Ruth Hawkins Keel was born in Bovina, Texas, where her parents were among the county’s earliest settlers. She cherished her four brothers and the many cousins who seemed to fill every grade and classroom in the local school.

At a time when few women pursued higher education, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from West Texas State College.

In 1956, she married Tech Sergeant Herman Keel of the United States Air Force. Before they started a family, she taught elementary school in Air Force base schools. Their marriage lasted 66 years, until Herman’s passing in 2022. Together, they enjoyed traveling across the United States, square dancing with Ye Olde Squares, and sharing their home with the many dogs they loved as part of the family.

Their children were Jason Keel, deceased; Curtis Keel, retired United States Air Force, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Collin Keel, a teacher, of Lubbock, Texas.

Roylene was a devoted Christian who attended Baptist churches throughout her life. She especially enjoyed reading and landscape painting.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.