Keiley A. Banfield of Aberdeen, NC, died unexpectedly on April 18, 2018.
Keiley was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts on September 25, 1975. She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Fahey) Branch, and James Branch. The family moved to Martha’s Vineyard when she was in first grade. She began riding horses at Pond View Farm and that started her lifelong love of animals. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Animal Science at the University of Massachusetts.
During the summer of her junior year she met her best friend and future husband, Jeff. After graduation she moved to Aberdeen, NC to be with Jeff. They worked together every day either grading, excavating or raising cattle. Their cattle operation, known as JK Red Angus, became her passion. She travelled the country working with countless young people as their mentor.
She is survived by her husband Jeff Banfield, her parents Elizabeth and James Branch of Aberdeen, NC, and a sister Jessica Branch of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Visitation will be Monday, April 23, from 6pm to 8pm at Boles funeral Home in Southern Pines. A service will take place Tuesday, April 24 at 11am, also at Boles Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at Tee Jay Farm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caring Hearts for Canines, PO Box 1219, Southern Pines, NC 28388; or the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation (write “Livestock – Banfield” on the memo line) c/o Keiley Banfield Memorial, NC State University, Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695, to support livestock activities in North Carolina in honor of Keiley.
Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is serving the family.
Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.
Mrs. Banfield’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
