Aleen K. Klaas, 100, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away on August 13, 2019 at Bell Oaks Terrace. She was born in Greenland, Arkansas to the late William Lester and Effie J. King.
Aleen worked at the University of Arizona for 30 years where she retired in 1980 as an Assistant Registrar with Emeritus Status.
Aleen is survived by her son, Brian (Charlotte) Klaas; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; niece, Patsy Marshall; nephews, Chris and Kelly Crittenden and Danny, John and Jerry Spillers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy W. Keen and husband, George A. Klaas; sisters, Mary Crittenden and Helen Spillers; daughter, Susan E. Klaas and nephew, Phillip Crittenden.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Graveside services will follow at Buckner Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR.
I’ll never forget the love and consideration Aleen showed us as young children of the Keen clan. Her first husband was my great uncle, brother to my grandfather, Walter Herbert Keen. I remember her lugging in Christmas presents for us eight kids to put under the tree, and much to my surprise there was one with my name. That evening, when no one was looking, I tore a small corner off and for the life of me couldn’t determine what it was; it was soft green material. When I opened it Christmas morning, much to my delight, as I unfolded the soft green material saw that it was one of the most unique pieces of headgear I’ve ever seen since. It was a forest green soft knit scarf that tied under my chin, and the part on back of my head had a girl’s face crocheted with yarn, and she had yellow yarn braids! Quite unique, like Aleen herself. I’m much much older now, but I’ll never forget that gift Thank you, Aleen. You’ll always be remembered.