Mary Hyne Keech Fine

Mary Hyne Keech Fine passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. Born on March 12, 1925 in Fort Lupton, Colorado, Mary lived a generous, vibrant life defined by her faith, service, music, reading, travel and a lifetime of friends.

Mary was the daughter of Irene Sophie Hunter and Burton Francis Hyne and a descendant of the Yankton Sioux Indian Tribe. She grew up in South Dakota, attended All Saints' Episcopal School in Sioux Falls and graduated from University of South Dakota where she was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta.

In 1945, Mary joined the Women's Army Corps and proudly served in post-World War II Germany until 1947. After her military service, she returned to South Dakota, began her career in teaching and met the love of her life, Robert Roy Keech. They married in 1950 and shared 33 years together before his passing in 1983. In 1965 they moved to Pine Bluff, AR where she taught French and English at Pine Bluff High School until her retirement in 1987. She was known for her dedication and genuine care for her students.

Mary wed Howard F. Fine in 1989 and moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. She embraced her community wholeheartedly, volunteering with the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Little Rock Retired Teachers Association, numerous other organizations and received the David Pryor Award for volunteerism.

She was crowned Ms. Senior Arkansas in 1991 and in 2025, received the Veterans Administration Centenarian Recognition Award. She was a lifelong, devoted member of the Episcopal Church, sharing her gifts in the choir, on the Vestry, and through her service as a Lay Eucharistic Minister.

Mary was preceded in death by her infant son, Roger Roy Keech; her husband Robert Roy Keech; her second husband, Howard Fine; and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Pomerleau Keech. Survived by her five children: Robert Burton Keech, Richard Charles Keech (Mel), Nancy Keech Griffin (Griff), Kathy Keech McFarland, and Peggy Keech Thibodeau (Joe). And her beloved grandchildren: Clara Keech Brewer, Cynthia Keech McCarty, Robert Keech, Dr. Richard Keech, Lauren Griffin McKay, Jess Griffin, Amy McFarland O'Connor, Megan McFarland Molten, Allison Thibodeau Rose, Michael Thibodeau, Kelli Thibodeau Perkins, Brian Thibodeau, and Mindy Thibodeau Utley along with 28 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Through her lifelong commitment to service and love for community she touched countless lives and formed enduring friendships.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, June 11th at 10:30 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial gifts be made in Mary Fine's name to: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, AR 72206; Salvation Army Central Arkansas PO box 1897 Little Rock, AR 72203 or contact Veronica at 501-374-9296 ; Presbyterian Village, 501 Brookside Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.