PHOENIX – Thelma Keane, the inspiration for the Mommy character in the long-running “Family Circus” comic created ... “When the cartoon first appeared, she looked so much like Mommy ...

After seeing vivid visions of painting circus scenes with his kids during a midday nap a few ... The paintings almost have a comic book or cartoon quality to them, with many featuring words.

Bil Keane, creator of the comic strip Family Circus, has died at age 89 ... Keane began drawing the one panel cartoon featuring Billy, Jeffy, Dolly, P.J. and their parents in February 1960 ...