Neva Marie (Richey) Keller, passed away October 31, 2023 at Community Medical Center, Falls City, NE surrounded by her children. Her final prayer was answered as Jesus took her home.
Neva was born on December 11, 1921, to Phillip Edward and Zula Mae (Fee) Richey in Doniphan County, KS. She began grade school in White Cloud. The family moved to a farm 6 miles northwest of White Cloud when she was 7. There she attended Grandview Dist. #19, a one room country school.
She married George T. Keller on July 31, 1937 at Hiawatha, KS. When married they lived in Brown County, KS and farmed their entire life. They attended the little stone Presbyterian Church and later in life donated a small acreage to build the ‘Country Church” a non-denominational church in “Happy Hollow” present day Thrasher Road. They enjoyed playing cards, camping and hunting deer in Colorado, hunting mushrooms, horseback riding and having fish fry’s with their couple friends. They were member of the White Cloud Saddle Club. Then attended horseshows far and wide as Bud, Bob, Luke, Sherry and Lori competed in all the events.
Neva was a very good cook and prepared hot lunches a few years at the Grandview Elementary School in the 50’s. Neva was also eager to lend a helping hand at Church, community and neighborhood gatherings. Neva thoroughly loved life, her family, God and her country home. She was hard working, milking cows and building fences. She had her own tractor and helped with planting, haying and harvesting, as well as, raising a garden, keeping up with the weeds and growing beautiful flowers.
She is survived by sons Robert (Bob), Luke (Donna); daughters Glenda Degase (Allen), Sherry Keller (Nick), and Lori Helmick (Bill) daughter in law Lu Keller; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Phyllis Davis, son George T. Keller, Jr., daughter in law Jeannie Keller, son in law Billy Davis, grandson Thomas Davis; brothers: John, Glenn, Virgil, and Guy Richey; sisters Muriel Scott and Carolina Camblin.
A Celebration of Neva’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday where the family will meet that evening from 6 until 7:30.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Olive Branch Cemetery which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
