DOROTHY MAXINE KELLER
DOROTHY MAXINE KELLER
Dorothy Maxine Keller, daughter of Alfred ‘Pete’ and Avis (Benson) Pacha, was born July 1, 1923 near Diagonal, Iowa. Dorothy grew up in Diagonal and graduated from Diagonal high school in 1941.
Dorothy married Robert Earl Keller on April 4, 1942 in Grant City, Missouri. They farmed west of Diagonal for several years before Bob’s career took them to Omaha, Nebraska. The family also lived in Wisconsin and Illinois. They retired to Lebanon, Missouri. In 1992 Dorothy and Bob returned to southwest Iowa and settled in Creston, Iowa.
Dorothy loved her flowers and working in her garden. Dorothy was well known for digging up some of her beautiful plants and flowers and was so proud and happy to share them with friends and family. Many of her plants and flowers were originally started by her mother, Avis Pacha, and thus the tradition began. Her beautiful peonies and other favorites are now growing in Kansas City, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Utah. Dorothy loved to crochet and with gift of love and patience she has taught many people. Dorothy was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed being a homemaker, cooking, gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. In addition, she belonged to the Legion Auxiliary.
After Bob passed away on April 24, 2012, Dorothy moved to Flower Mound, Texas. She passed away in Flower Mound on April 29, 2013 at Autumn Leaves of Flower Mound Memory Care Facility. Dorothy was well loved by the staff and caregivers for her wonderful sense of humor and kindness. She made many friends and was dearly loved by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Leslie Keller; grandson, Bryan Craddock; son-in-law, Paul Craddock, Sr., and sisters, Mary Ann Gardner and Phyllis Hogue.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Clyde Keller and wife Nancy of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Ron Keller and wife Terrie of Fayette, Utah and Diane Pierce and husband Eric of Flower Mound, Texas; grandchildren, Brandy Ratley, Paul Craddock, Jr., Tara Penders and Stephanie Bridges; great-grandchildren, David Ratley and Conor, Chase and Cloey Craddock; sister, Margaret Swank of Lenox, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dean Gardner, and other relatives and friends.
Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Diagonal was in charge of the arrangements.
Services were held at the United Church of Diagonal on Saturday, May 4, 2013, with Rev. Edward Shields officiating. Musicians included Judy Newton and Shelly Mason.
Casket bearers were Paul Craddock, Eric Pierce, Conor Craddock, Gary Swank, Greg Hogue and Tom Sackett.
Burial was in the Bethel Cemetery in Diagonal.
A memorial fund has been established to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, 1730 28th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
