D. Gail Keener, age 88 of Massillon, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Altercare of Navarre.

She was born April 23, 1938, in Massillon the daughter of Chet and Mildred (Tombow) Kueper.

Gail was a 1956 graduate of Massillon Washington High school and Majored in Art Education at Ohio University. She was an artist. She exhibited and won awards in numerous Museum juried exhibitions in this area, including the Butler Institute of American Art; Canton Museum of Art; Cuyahoga Valley Art Center; Massillon Museum; North Canton Little Art Gallery and Wooster Art Museum. She had articles published in the American Journal of Art Therapy and in Arts and Crafts and Ceramic Magazines.

She was a member and one of the founding Trustees of the Canton Artists League; Member of the Massillon Museum and Massillon Community Artists; and previous member of the Massillon Museum Women's Board. She initiated and organized Arts and Crafts Shows at Amherst Center in Massillon for 9 consecutive years, beginning in 1971.

Gail is survived by sons, Craig S. Keener, Phd, Christopher D. Keener, Phd, and Brett H. Keener; daughter, Jennifer K Keener; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband of 58 years, John Keener; son, Eric Keener; and sister, Janice Goetz.

Funeral service will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 315 - 6th St. N.E., Massillon, Ohio 44646.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.heitger.com

Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-833-3248