Alma Jean Keller, 97, of Denver, Colorado and former Russell, Kansas, resident died on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Woodland Estates Assisted Living in Denver.
Jean was born on January 22, 1927, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Koehler) Rostocil. She grew up on the family farm near Stockton, Kansas and graduated from Stockton High School. After high school she graduated with a bachelor’s degree of education from Kansas State University. She was united in marriage to Paul Keller on December 30, 1954, in Russell, Kansas. She worked as a Home Economics teacher and Para for 47 years in Russell with the USD 407 School District. From this union Jean and Paul were blessed with a daughter Dea Ann. She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Russell County Fair Board, Round Robin, Russell Garden Club. She was a very proud supporter and campaign worker for Bob Dole. She enjoyed making quilts, gardening, playing bridge, reading and researching family history.
Surviving family include her daughter Dea Ann Roark and husband Clay of Denver, Colorado; 3 grandchildren Brooke Woodward (Brett), Anna Madsen (David) and Andrew Friesen and 6 great grandchildren Mindzie, Scarlett, Raef, Sydney, Sienna and Alexzy. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Paul and sister Edith Bouchey. Cremation has been selected by Jean. A graveside memorial service of Jean’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on June 12, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service