Barbara Marie Keller
Barbara M. Keller age 83, of Minnesota, beloved wife of the late Joseph E. Keller; devoted mother of Jeffrey of Minnesota, Stephen of Colorado, Jacqueline of California, Douglas of Florida, and Judi Border of Indiana; mother-in-law of Nancy Lee, Nancy Beth, Monica, and Terry; grandmother of Brian, Tracy, Kevin, Natalie, and Adeline. Barbara was born to the late Lawrence and Adeline, and is survived by her sister Lois, and preceded in death by her sisters Mary and Betty.
Barbara grew up in Kentucky before moving to Ohio to raise her family. She later moved to Indiana before her final move to Minnesota to reside in the Epiphany Church Senior Housing community. Barbara earned an Associate degree from the University of Cincinnati, but dedicated most of her time to her family and church. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, listening to music, watching Cincinnati Reds baseball, and wearing colorful clothes which often included red shoes.
Barbara’s dedication to her 5 children brings memories of an assembly line approach for ensuring a good breakfast and packing brown bag lunches with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hand off to each child while making sure all were clean, well dressed, and ready for school and church. She could creatively pull together leftovers with limited resources to prepare healthy meals for a large family, which included her famous chili spaghetti put in a thermos for picnics or camping trips. She assigned home chores to each child and kept a clean, safe home. She had a look or hug which spoke messages without words, but always conveyed a love for her children which deserves a lifetime award.
Now Barbara can have comfort and joy in her new life which takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, singing to her heart’s content, and where music, laughter and love are guaranteed.
Video: Celebration of Life
There will be a private family gathering to celebrate Barbara’s life. Her resting place will be in Indiana next to her beloved husband, Joseph.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family welcomes masses in her honor at a parish community of your choice, with music and prayers to celebrate her life.
Those who would like to contribute to Barbara’s most recent church community may make donations to Epiphany Care Fund