On the morning of June 15, 2023, Mary Rose Key, our beloved Mother and Grandmother, age 84, passed peacefully at home with her family at her bedside. She was born to Louis Jefferson & Della Hestel Lampkin on February 21, 1939, in Pampa, Texas.

She lived part of her life in Texas, but Bakersfield was home. She had three children Arthur Louis, Joanna Della, and Judy Elizabeth. She worked as a waitress at Tiny's downtown, Lorene's Café, now 24th Street Cafe, and lastly at Denny's. She was a hard worker all her life, sometimes having two jobs to support her family.

Her true joy and passion was her family. She provided support, love, and care for her children & grandchildren. She babysat grandchildren and most of the great grandchildren. Sometimes she babysat grand dogs.

She would help us keep our homes nice and clean, do laundry, and house sit when we were away. Always helping when she could. Mom/grandma was known for the best macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, Christmas cookies, & fudge. She taught us how to bake and cook. When she was younger, she liked to make jellies, jams and can vegetables. Many a summer my sister and I would go to the fields or orchards to pick fruit and vegetables for her canning projects. Mom always brought back enough produce so the neighbors could enjoy some too.

She loved horses, dogs, especially German Shepherds, stray cats, and flowers. One of her great passions was football. She was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers, but also followed Denver Broncos, and the Miami Dolphins for a season or two. She attended a 49er game the last year they played at Candlestick Park, and a game the first year they played at Levi Stadium. She loved to gamble when she got the opportunity and play the slot machines. The family would take her to Las Vegas or Chukchansi Casino.

In her later years she loved doing puzzles. It kept her busy. She put puzzles together for all of us. Most were framed and now adorn our walls.

Mom was preceded in death by her son Arthur Louis. She is survived by her 2 daughters & their spouses Joanna (David), Judy (Larry), 4 grandchildren & their spouses, Jennifer (Mike), Misty (Jonathan), Scott (Candice), and Tori. 10 great grandchildren Matthew, Tyler, Chelsea, James, Casey, Joshua, Justin, Megan, Ryan, Benjamin, 4 great-great grandchildren Nathaniel, Olivia, Lucas, & Emma, & 4 grand dogs Hunter, Jasper, Tia Bear, and Fangio. Ping-Pong, our Pomeranian, passed two days after Mom. Mom was Ping's favorite visitor. We guess she just wanted to be with her Grandma.

The Menna/Knoeb families wish to offer a special thank you to the team at Hoffmann Hospice for all their amazing support & care.