Alma Jean Keller
Born: January 22, 1927
Died: December 21, 2024
Our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Alma Jean Keller, went to be with the Lord on Saturday December 21, 2024. Jean was born to Clara and Paul Rosticil, on January 22, 1927, in Hays, Kansas. Jean was one of two children.
Jean belonged to a strong farming and ranching family with a high work ethic. She was raised and educated in Stockton, Kansas. Jean went to college at Kansas State University from 1946-1949 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She was a member of Kappa Phi Christian Sisterhood and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
After college, Jean met Paul Keller. The two were married on December 30, 1954, and enjoyed a wonderful marriage until Paul’s passing on March 6, 1990. On November 24, 1958, Jean and Paul were blessed with the birth of a single daughter, Dea Ann. They made their home in Russell, Kansas and she lived in the same house for over 60 years.
Jean taught as a Home Economics and Para educator for 47 years with the USD 407 School District and had hundreds of school students.
Jean was a strong Christian follower and a life-long member of the Otterbein Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas.
Jean was also a devout member of The Russell County Fair Board, Russell Garden Club, Bridge Club, Bowling League, and participated in friendships with Round Robin. Jean also spent significant effort proudly supporting Bob Dole’s campaign efforts in 1996.
Our sweet mother was an incredible friend, mentor, and supporter. Jean always had a smile on her face and a warm meal on the table. She was a passionate gardener, and her house was always filled with flowers and fresh vegetables and fruit. Our family favorite was peonies; however, the tree-ripened pears were a close second.
Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, which included family reunions, bridge games, birthday parties, holidays events, and political discussions.
Jean treasured her family and friends. She kept every card and letter she received and clippings from the Russell Record newspaper throughout her life. Family was so important to Jean that she spent countless hours studying and building a detailed family tree over the years. This is a cherished family document.
Jean reluctantly relocated to Denver, Colorado for the final few years of her life. She was a tough and strong-willed good old Kansas gal with great moral ethics and honesty. She would speak her mind without much of a filter in her final years, which was very refreshing. It would put a grin on your face with her humor.
Jean encountered multiple health events that would have put an end to most people at her age. She underwent open heart surgery, two broken hip surgeries, and numerous, less invasive events towards the end of her life. She faced these events with unwavering strength, confidence, and humor. This led the family to believe she was indestructible and would live forever. Of course we were wrong, but the family is forever indebted to Jean for contributing these incredible genes to the family gene pool.
The last image the family has of Jean is the day before her death. Jean was fading in and out of consciousness, but when we whispered, “Your family is here, loves you, and is surrounding you,” she put forth a gigantic smile. Classic Jean Keller.
Jean leaves behind her daughter Dea and husband Clay; grandchildren Brooke (Brett), Anna (David), and Drew; and great grandchildren Mindzie, Scarlett, Raef, Sydney, Sienna, and Alexzy.
We will all miss her dearly and are incredibly blessed she was in our lives. “Thank you, thank you, thank you”! This was her mantra that we will use and remember forever.
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