Betty L. Keyes

GREAT VALLEY — Betty L. Keyes, 93, of Great Valley, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home on Thursday (Sept. 10, 2026).

Born July 19, 1933, in Ellicottville, she was the cherished daughter of the late John and Minerva Moon Gebauer. On Feb. 6, 1965, she married Blaine Keyes, with whom she shared a beautiful life until his passing in 2010.

Betty was a 1951 graduate of Ellicottville Central School and went on to further her education at the Jamestown Business Institute.

Betty spent her early professional career working at Otis Steel, Inc. in Ellicottville, before dedicating many years of faithful service to the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services in Olean, from which she retired in 1996.

A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime member and dedicated secretary for the Great Valley Baptist Church.

Outside of her work and faith, Betty was best known for her warm hospitality. She loved to bake cookies and pies, and her kitchen door was always open to family and friends for hot coffee and a fresh treat.

She is survived by her devoted son, Jason Keyes of Great Valley; and three loving daughters, Beth (Donald) Nelson of Amherst, Sharon (Bill) Delity of Great Valley and Tracy Keyes of Great Valley. She also leaves behind two stepdaughters, Bonnie (Kenny) McCarty of Georgetown, Ken. and Brenda (David) Turner of Gray, Tenn.; a special niece, Laurie (Don Reed) Hurd of Zephyrhills, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Candy Gebauer of Humphrey. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Keith, Nicole, Megan, Reesa, Derek, Jack, Molly, Owen, Alexander, Nicholas, Emilee, Hannah, Madison and Adam; as well as 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Betty was predeceased by her five brothers, Curtis, Lewis, Leon, Clinton and Robert Gebauer; two sisters, Jeanette Chapman and Ila Maynard; and a granddaughter, Kendra McCarty.

Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 17, 2026) at the Great Valley Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday (Sept. 18, 2026) at the church with Pastor Matthew Herdzik and Pastor Daniel Gilbert, co-officiants. Burial will follow in Green Cemetery, Great Valley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to the Great Valley Baptist Church or Homecare and Hospice of Olean.