Ruth Biedenkapp Keener, age 97, of Leoma, TN passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at NHC Healthcare Scott in Lawrenceburg, TN. She was a native of Offenbach, Germany, an accomplished seamstress, retired cook from Crockett Hospital, and a member of Antioch United Methodist Church. Ruth grew up in Darmstadt, Germany in 1944. She was a dental technician in Buedingen, Germany where she met James. James and Ruth married in October 1953 and moved to New York in 1954. Ruth was an avid reader and a member of the Lawrence County Public Library Book Club. She loved raising flowers, especially roses.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Georg and Karoline Dieruff Biedenkapp; her husband, James Milton “Jim” Keener; one daughter, Charlotte Shane; and one brother, Dr. Dieter Biedenkapp.
She is survived by two sons, Klaus Lachmann (Pam) of Columbia, TN and Alan Keener (Sherry) of Leoma, TN; one daughter, Darlene Gaines (David) of Leoma, TN; son-in-law, William Shane of Lakewood, CA; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Brian, Jason, Jennifer, Matthew, Kristen, David, and Katelyn; ten great-grandchildren and twins due in August; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Sunday, June 01, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 3:00 PM Sunday, June 01, 2025, with Martha Davison officiating. Interment will follow at Dunn Cemetery in Leoma, TN.
