Suzanne Keyes

Suzanne (Sue) Murphy Keyes, age 71, passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2022.  She was born on February 28, 1951 in Pittsburgh, PA to Ann Ferney Murphy and Ralph Oliver (RO) Murphy, Jr.

Sue attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met her loving husband of 52 years, Richard (Dick) Kinsman Keyes.  They married on February 14, 1970 in Boulder, CO.  Sue successfully raised her four children while running her own sales consulting business with Sandler Sales and Dave Kurlan in the Denver-metro area until 2010.  A true life-long learner, Sue was a master gardener, animal lover, and inspiring woman who loved to help others succeed.  She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, laughter, and love.

In 2010, Dick and Sue retired from “city life” and followed their dream to the Rito Oso Ranch in Redwing, CO.  There, Sue acquired all of the animals she ever wanted including her beloved dogs, cats, quarter and draft horses, Hereford cattle, chickens, ducks, and pigs.  She also enjoyed wildlife found on the ranch and loved looking at pictures from the trail cameras of bears, mountain lions, elk, and deer. In keeping with her passion for gardening, Sue had a football field-sized garden with: fruit trees, fruit bushes, and vegetables to keep her busy.  Always reading and dreaming up projects, Sue was passionate about sustainability and healthy ranching practices, knowing that she could get her many ranch hands (her husband, children, grandchildren, and close friend J.P. Nix) to make her dreams a reality.

Sue loved to laugh and spend time with those she loved.  Many hours were spent playing games such as Parcheesi, Sorry, and Backgammon, and Sue could always be counted on for a sly, come out of nowhere or come from behind win. Though we are sad she is gone from this world, we are grateful that she is free to watch over her ranch, her critters, and her family from above.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Ann Ferney Murphy and Ralph Oliver Murphy, Jr.; and a brother Ralph Oliver Murphy III.  She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Keyes; her children: George Keyes (Kaylyn Keyes), Abigail Keyes, Charles Keyes (Erin Keyes), and Bonnie Keyes; two grandchildren: Mallory Keyes and Drake Keyes; her brother, David Murphy (Jackie Murphy), her sister, Nancy Gilbert; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial reception will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Green Farm Barn (8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128). Sue never met a stranger.  We would be honored to have you join us to celebrate Sue’s magnificent life.

A second service will be held at Sue’s home, Keyes Rito Oso Ranch, in early July, details to follow.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made in Sue’s memory to the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association or any cause that is near and dear to your heart.