Cynthia Ann Abbott Keel

Cynthia Ann Abbott Keel, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law and friend, passed away Aug. 24 in San Angelo after a four year battle with incurable lung, spine and brain cancer. Throughout it all, she never lost her faith, her optimism or her sense of humor. In fact, her family believes she flounced into Heaven, wearing her Jessica Simpsons, a big smile, and, as always, looking forward to her next and greatest adventure. Cynthia was born in San Angelo on Sept. 9, 1944 to Franklin P. and Allie Little Abbott. Shortly after Cynthia’s seventh birthday, her mother died. Cynthia felt blessed to receive a new mother the next year, her brother’s teacher, Laveda Harrell Watkins. Cynthia always said she received her sense of humor and love of fun from her father and her work ethic and dedication to duty from her mothers. Cynthia graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1962 where she surprised herself by winning the state Miss Future Teacher of Texas Award based on her speech at the 1962 convention. She received an Associate of Arts Degree from then San Angelo College in 1964, where she was a two year member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, was a leader in the Ramettes Drill Team and was a member of local sorority Lambda Tau. Cynthia’s life really began, though, with her marriage on Oct. 2, 1964 to William Keel and they shared 56 years of love and laughter. They were blessed in 1968 with the birth of their daughter, the inimitable Kristin, and their family became complete in 2003 with the addition of their son-in-law COL Larry Cade, US Army. Although Cynthia always considered herself primarily as a wife and mother, she retired from Sonora ISD after 28 years as Superintendent’s Secretary and Elections Coordinator. She loved the students, the teachers whom she called the “taller children” and the joy of working in a school environment. After 36 years in Sonora, William and Cynthia moved to Rio Concho West in San Angelo where they began a new adventure as carefree retirees. Cynthia found part time employment with Lloyd Woodfin, Edward Jones Investments, and once again, she met a whole new group of people with whom to visit and laugh. Cynthia also worked as a church organist since the age of 16 and served at churches in San Angelo, Sonora and Eldorado. She loved music and always felt that if her music touched one person’s heart, then it was a good day. Cynthia had a quiet but deep and abiding faith. She always knew, regardless of the situation, that God had His loving arms around her. That faith carried her through many bad times in her life--the death of her beloved mother when she was seven, the long illness of her adored father during her high school years, the walk down the “Alzheimers” trail with her step mother and step father when she was in her 40’s, and, finally, the cancer diagnosis in 2017. Yet Cynthia always focused on the positive and met each day of life with joy, enthusiasm and, of course, the humor and laughter that she prized. Cynthia is survived by the other half of her heart, husband William Keel of San Angelo, her much loved and admired daughter Kristin Cade and her wonderful son-in-law COL (R) Larry Cade of San Antonio, a brother Dr. Frank Abbott of Temple, a sister-in-law Betty Arnold of San Angelo, one niece and three nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents Frank and Allie Abbott, her step parents Vernon and Laveda Bucher, one sister in law, Barbara Abbott of Temple, one brother in law, Fred Arnold of San Angelo and a host of beloved animals including her precious Sweet Pea who all greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge. Though we are grieving Cynthia’s passing, we always shall remember how she summed up her life: I’ve had a good time and laughed a lot. Who could ask for anything more? A Funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, San Angelo on Saturday August 28, 2021 with graveside to follow at Sonora Cemetery.