Tiffany LeeAnn “Tuffy” Keene, a vibrant soul known for her authenticity, generosity, and magnetic spirit, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, leaving a community and family in deep sorrow. She was 36 years old and had become a beloved presence in Carlyle, Illinois, and beyond — someone whose life wasn’t just lived, but felt by everyone who crossed her path.
Born on May 6, 1989, in Okinawa, Japan, Tiffany grew up surrounded by love and laughter. She was raised with a fierce sense of loyalty — not just to her family, but to everyone she considered part of her world. That kindness blossomed into a life dedicated to connection: connecting with neighbors, friends, and even strangers — often leaving them feeling seen and valued long after they’d met her.
In her daily life, Tiffany’s warmth radiated in the simple things. She cherished moments with her partner, Brandon Schrage, and embraced fully the role of a loving partner and bonus mom to Brandon’s sons, Brantley and Brody. Whether she was cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals — especially her favorite, Yadier Molina — or laughing over a card game with friends, Tiffany had a way of infusing joy into ordinary moments.
Her authenticity was infectious. Many described her as a “firecracker” — a burst of energy who brought color and movement into every room. She lived with a “just be yourself” spirit that drew people in, whether she was dancing with abandon, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply sharing a story that lit up a room. Small pleasures like riding her mule, raising her miniature donkey Bronx, and doting on her dog Fred weren’t just hobbies — they were extensions of her joyful, unfiltered approach to life.
Tiffany’s professional life reflected that same energy. As the Chief Financial Officer and business partner at Recoil, LLC — an outdoor shooting-range remediation company — she poured her energy and savvy into her work, inspiring those around her with her determination and passion. Her colleagues remember her not just for her skill, but for the warmth she brought to the workplace.
Her family described Tiffany as a source of unwavering support — someone who celebrated their victories and lifted them through challenges with courage and resilience. She treasured close-knit gatherings, laughed deeply, and greeted life with a heart fully open. Beyond her immediate family — parents, siblings, step-family, nieces, nephews, and extended clan — she leaves behind countless friends for whom she was a beacon of genuine connection.
Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Breese American Legion in Breese, Illinois, offering the community a space to share memories, express gratitude for her presence, and honor the legacy of someone who lived with extraordinary love. In lieu of flowers, the family has invited contributions to support Brantley and Brody Schrage, a testament to Tiffany’s lifelong devotion to those she called family.
Her laughter, kindness, and generous spirit won’t fade — they’ll echo in every shared story, every smile her memory inspires, and every tender moment her friends and family carry forward with them.
