Olive Margaret Key (née Craig), 92, of Bedford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones at her home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Born on June 29, 1932, to Von and Mary Elizabeth (née Eggers) Craig, Olive was the middle child of a large family. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, their humble beginnings instilled in her a strong work ethic and resilience.
A woman ahead of her time, Olive embarked on her career at just 19 years old in the early 1950s. Joining a group of young women at GM’s Central Foundry, she worked on the renowned ‘Hollywood Line.’ During her 39-year tenure with GM, Olive was a dedicated member of the UAW and cherished her camaraderie with fellow union members.
Family was paramount to Olive. She was a constant source of love and support. She fervently instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren from a young age. Her grandchildren hold cherished memories of late-night walks around the track, trips to Mr. Gatti’s and McDonald’s, and countless summer afternoons spent at the pool with their beloved “Nanny.”
Olive was an avid traveler, exploring several countries in Europe, with Germany, Holland, and Switzerland becoming her favorites. She also ventured to Alaska, Hawaii, California, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and the Grand Canyon. Olive attended Apostolic Faith Assembly Church, and deeply loved Gospel music. She was a passionate collector of porcelain dolls and antiques, enjoying many Wednesday afternoon auctions at the Armory. In her spare moments, she could be found tending to her yard, feeding the birds, or watering her flowers. Olive was also a dedicated reader of the Times Mail, thoughtfully clipping articles of interest to share with loved ones.
Olive never met a stranger, and her warmth extended to everyone she met. She cherished visits with friends, chatting on the phone, and had a special fondness for children and animals, reflecting her youthful spirit.
Olive leaves behind a legacy of love. Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Mary (Mark) Coressel and Michael Key; four grandchildren, Melanie Smith (née Reckelhoff), Jordan Yates, Craig Yates, and Chandler (Andrew) Hershberger; and 2 great-grandchildren, Riley Hawkins and Cordan Short.
Olive was preceded in death by her parents, Von and Mary Elizabeth (née Eggers) Craig; five brothers, Lloyd Lackey, Herbert “Dempsey” Craig, Phillip Craig, Claude Craig, and Lester Paul Lackey (passed in infancy); four sisters, Pauline Spinks, Irene Spangler, Mary Walters, and Nellie Francis Lackey (passed in infancy); the father of her children, Merlie “Gene” Key; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Olive M. Key will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12:00pm-2:00pm, also at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel.
The family would like to thank Dr. Stirling and her office staff, IU Health Bedford Radiology, IU Health Bloomington Hospice, and Olive’s Hospice nurse, Judy.
Memories of Olive and condolences to the family may be shared, and flowers may be ordered at www.FergusonLee.com.
