Ann J. Keith

LACONIA, N.H. – Ann J. Keith, 88, formerly a longtime resident of Lewiston, and recently a resident of the Tilton Veterans Home, passed away in Laconia, N.H., on Dec. 8, 2023.

Ann graduated from Lewiston High School in 1954, and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force. There, she served two years as Airman during the Korean and Vietnam wars, and subsequently worked civil service for 10 years at Randolph and Lackland Air Force bases.

In 1970, Ann returned to Lewiston, where she worked secretarial jobs. In 1971, she started her own fly-tying business, and subsequently became one of the most prolific producers of fishing flies in the entire state of Maine.

Honing her skill as an entrepreneur, she elevated her business to one that retailed sterling silver jewelry, leather, boots, and any other knick-knack that suited her interest. Her beloved business, The Silver Feather, remained a mainstay at craft shows, motorcycle swap meets, state fairs, and almost 40 years in several locations in both malls in Lewiston. Ann always had an innate ability to charm people, which endeared her to them. Although feisty in the Bingo parlor, she really did have a huge fan base of customers at her business. She is already missed!

Born Ann Juliette Keith on July 23, 1935, in Auburn, to Elmer N. Keith, and Jeanne Provencher, Ann was predeceased by her parents; as well as ex-husband, James Rector, of Texas; her son, James A. Rector, of Jonestown, Texas, her daughter, Nancy (Rector) Burns, of Ingram, Texas; and her brother, Francis Keith, of Ocala, Fla.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth A Rector, and wife Jackie, of The Colony, Texas, her daughter, Julia A Rector, of Andover, N.H., her daughter-in-law, Deann A Rector, of Jonestown, Texas; her granddaughter, Kelli Burns Losey, of Galesburg, Ill., her granddaughter, Katti Burns Brandt, of Jacksonville, Fla., a grandson, Joshua Rector, of Kennedale, Texas; and several great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 206 Central St, Franklin, N.H., on Jan. 7, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. Interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, N.H., date to be announced.