Rogers, Arkansas – Lucy May Jacobs Kehmeier, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas, at the age of 85. Born on May 11, 1939, in Rogers, she was the cherished daughter of Frank and Viola Jacobs.

A proud graduate of Rogers High School and Ouachita Baptist University, Lucy embarked on a fulfilling career in education. She began teaching at Central Ward Elementary (now Tillery) and later moved to Westside Elementary when it opened. During her tenure at Westside, Lucy's passion for education shone brightly. She served as president of the Association for Childhood Education, initiated the physical education program, established the central library, and even presented an economic education TV program for the state of Arkansas with Daisy Manufacturing Company. Her dedication earned her the title of Jaycees Educator of the Year, and her biographical summary was featured in The Personalities of the South (1969).

In 1968, Lucy married C.L. Kehmeier of Bentonville, and the couple moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they would reside for the next 34 years. While in Tulsa, Lucy continued her teaching career in the Tulsa School District until she decided to dedicate her time to raising their two sons. Later, she returned to work in preschools and eventually re-entered the public school system, teaching in the Union School District until her retirement. Lucy was a devout Christian and an active member of the First Baptist Church Olive Street Campus. In 2002, she and C.L. returned to Rogers, where she briefly came out of retirement to teach at the First Baptist Church Christian School for four more years. Her love for teaching and working with children and adults was evident throughout her life, as she continually sought new methods and approaches.

In her retirement, Lucy devoted herself to preserving the history of Rogers and her own family history. She co-authored a book on her mother-in-law's family, the Deans from Pea Ridge, wrote her autobiography, and penned numerous biographies of family members. As a Creative Memories consultant, Lucy found joy in creating traditional albums and helping others preserve their precious memories.

Family was central to Lucy's life. Her two sons became Eagle Scouts, and her husband earned the Silver Beaver Award. Lucy actively participated as a Den Leader and served on many scouting committees and projects. Her love for genealogy, crafts, and crocheting were just a few of her many hobbies. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Hamby.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, C.L. Kehmeier, and a loving family, including her sons, Kent Kehmeier and wife Lori of Bentonville, and Eric Kehmeier and wife Angie of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was a proud grandmother to Cody and Caleb of Bentonville, and Vivian and Georgia of Broken Arrow.  She is also survived by three nieces and their families; including Norma Morgan of Exeter, Missouri, Margaret Dickey of Rogers, Arkansas, and Linda Jones of Seligman, Missouri.

A funeral service celebrating Lucy's life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 3800 W. Walnut St., in Rogers. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Rogers Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home (479) 636-2412.