Answer: A wife, a mother, and a teacher.

On rare occasions you will see something totally tasteful and appropriate for the message it conveys.

If it is a tribute to someone you knew and admired, then it becomes more poignant and meaningful.

Right at the entrance to the Kennett Public Library is a statuette of two children sitting on a bench. There is a book open between them. There is a plaque nearby that says "Learning to Read, Donated in loving Memory of Jane McKeel." It bears the names of her two sons, Jiles and Stuart.

Jane McKeel was a lovely person, both physically and in personality. Demanding nothing, respect came to Jane as naturally as breathing.

Always tastefully dressed, Jane's affability and cultured southern accent could have charmed the Yankees right out of Atlanta.

Jane McKeel was for many years a dedicated teacher. Friends who knew her best say that she loved to teach reading.

Retirement from teaching did not slow down Jane a bit. She remained active in civic and social affairs. Jane was a strong supporter of the public library, and an enthusiastic member of the Kennett Library Review Group, where she was affectionately called, "The Cookie Lady." She always baked cookies and brought them to the monthly meetings of the group.

Jane had invariably read the book up for discussion and made salient observations as to content and construction. She led the group a number of times, and in fact was due to lead them in September meeting in a book about old time circus life.

Those of us who knew Jane McKeel felt an instant loss but feel fortunate to have known her at all.

The statuette at the library says it all: Wife, mother, and teacher. It is a perfect testament to a life well lived.

The Answer Man will appear on occasion in the Daily Dunklin Democrat, and will provide answers to various and sundry questions about local people, etc. Readers are invited to submit their queries to The Answer Man by e-mailing them to bhunt@dddnews.com.