Emily R. Keithline

A life beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. The family of Emily Ruth Keithline sadly announces her passing on May 18, 2026, at the age of 87.

Emily lived life fully on her own terms, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, laughter, and resilience. She was born on January 25, 1939, at Saint Luke's Hospital in Denver, CO, to her parents Dale and Hazel Umphres (also spelled Umphries) of Denver. Both preceded her in death.

She was born the second of four siblings. Hazel, Emily, Frankie, and Veronica became close at a very young age. All three of her siblings preceded her in death, although they remained bonded throughout, as did the generations that followed.

Emily is survived by her son Russell Keithline (Conni) of Lakewood, CO; grandson Russell Keithline Jr. (Stephanie) of Evergreen, CO; granddaughter Master Sergeant Brittney Keithline Garcia (Bonifacio) of Mountain Home, ID; granddaughter Sherri Keithline of Denver, CO; grandson Jay Keithline III (Carrie) of Bird City, KS; and granddaughter Leslie Matthew (Dane) of Aurora, CO. She is also survived by multiple great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Most believe the hardest part of Emily's life was when she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay and her eldest sons, Jay Jr. and Ronald Leslie. That is when Emily became a brilliant icon and master teacher of resilience to the rest of us. However, she kept going, even living alone for several years in her beautiful home in Lakewood, CO.

She was so happy to have her youngest son Russ in her life. He became her caregiver in her final days.

Emily fell in love at an early age with her one and only true love, Jay. They married, bought a home in North Denver, now called the Highlands, and raised three sons, Jay, Ron, and Russ. Emily always laughed when she told the story about saying all three of her sons' names so fast that her youngest thought for the longest time his name was "Jayronruss."

Emily and Jay were the perfect couple both in life and business. They kept good relationships with the people who rented homes from them. Emily always cared about others. She loved her job at The Denver United Methodist Church headquarters.

If asked, she would say being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother were most important amongst professions. However, those who knew her well knew how proud she was to run the print shop for the Methodist church in Denver.

Emily's favorite place in the world, besides being with her beloved family and friends, was the Colorado mountains and foothills. She and her husband, along with her youngest son Russ, once lived in a mountain home in Coal Creek Canyon that she spoke of often.

Emily and Jay later purchased their dream home in Lakewood, CO, where he would pass and she would spend the rest of her life. She was proud of her gorgeous house, as she was proud of her wood carving skills. Among the family's treasured pieces was a magnificent carved pigeon, made by a dear friend for her husband.

Emily loved nothing more than doing research on both her and her husband's family ancestry. She enjoyed watching old western TV shows and movies on TCM and the like. She became quite a film buff and could hold her own in any trivia contest. She listened to the Denver Broncos football games on the radio, as she did not like the anxiety of watching the games on live TV. And she was a horse racing fan who never missed the Kentucky Derby.

Emily's superpower was love. She was loved by everyone who met her, and she truly loved people back. Her laughter was so uplifting. She was dynamite in a small frame. You might think that being a beautiful strawberry blonde was her superpower, but she was quite humble about it. Near the end of her life, she gave all credit for her magnificent life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She became a Roman Catholic.

Emily may have outlived all of her siblings, but she took on her nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren, as her own. She was a beloved matriarch to many people who loved her.

Later in life, besides stepping out with her Silver Sneakers group or volunteering to keep her street pristine, Emily loved showing up for her family and all the special moments. Be it a birthday or graduation, she would arrive with her famous jello cake, zucchini bread, or delicious apple pie.

Emily loved to cook, but when she was the guest she would request her favorite foods: fried chicken, turkey tetrazzini, or a big bag of delicious fast-food hamburgers.

Emily enjoyed musical selections from the 1950s, but she also absolutely loved big brass band music. Many of us remember fondly the Fourth of July celebrations in Wheat Ridge, CO, where Jay would arrive at the crack of dawn to ensure his beloved wife and entire family a good seat to watch the fireworks. And close we were!

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family is inspired by the life she built, the love she gave so freely, and the strength she showed every single day.

God received a new angel the day our brilliant Emily left us.