Roger E. Keith, 81, of 4 Woodside Rd., died Sunday, Jan. 11 at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, after being stricken ill at home.

   He leaves his wife of 59 years, Mildred M. (Johnson) Keith; a son, Joseph A. Keith and his wife Susan of Ft. Plain, N.Y.; two daughters, Cynthia L. Ahearn and her husband Mark of Paxton, and Cheryl A. Podbelski and her husband Alan of Hardwick; a sister, Marion Thibault of Princeton; nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, John E. Keith in 1980 and two sisters, Dorothy Keith and Barbara Nolet.

   Mr. Keith was a self employed dairy farmer and owner of Centerview Farm in Spencer for 33 years before retiring in 1988.

   He was born in W. Boylston, the son of Erving F. and Stella G. (Harrington) Keith. He graduated from Major Victor E. Edwards High School and then went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during WWII with the Navy Construction Battalion and was in the invasion of Okinawa. He was a member of Harold N. Keith American Legion Post in W. Boyslton. He was a member of various agricultural organizations over the years. He enjoyed square dancing and bowling.

   The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. A calling hour will precede the funeral on Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mary, Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry, 60 Maple Street, Spencer, 01562.