Russell F. Keich

Stonehedge Gardens co-founder Russell F. Keich passed away on Wednesday October 31, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the age of 90. Russell and his partner Don Herring founded Stonehedge Gardens in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania in 1966.  Russell’s vision for Stonehedge Gardens was “to educate holistic concepts of health, healing, spirituality, environment, awareness of our oneness, respect of our differences, and the joy these differences bring to our lives -  a place of peace, quietude, escapes, meditation and communion with nature." Russell was a lifelong artist, gardener, potter and horticulturist. He and Don dug the ponds, planted the gardens, restored the buildings and built Stonehedge to what it is today, a beautiful retreat in the heart of Schuylkill County and the Coal Region. Stonehedge gives artisans a place to practice and promote their works and the public a place to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature.  For the last 38 years, the annual tree lighting and holiday celebration has been enjoyed by many. Born in Pottsville on November 28, 1927, Russell was the only son of the late Julius F. and Margaret V. (Gangaware) Keich.  Though an only child, Russell’s warm disposition and bold vision helped create a large extended family of friends that helped to establish and maintain Stonehedge Gardens over the years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550 A memorial service for Russell will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Stonehedge Gardens, 51 Dairy Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252 at 3pm followed by the inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Show for the 2018 season.  A potluck gathering will be held afterwards at Stonehedge.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Russell Keich Memorial Fund, 51 Dairy Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252  online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com