Joyce Helen Keller

Joyce Helen Keller, 71, of Overland Park, KS and Frisco, CO, passed away on December 14, 2003, after a short illness with acute myeloid leukemia. Joyce's battle was short but Courageous, and God and her family were with her to the end. Gathering for a celebration of life will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2003 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS followed by a reception. Visitation will be at 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at D.W. Newcomers Johnson County, 11200 Metcalf. A private family graveside service will be held in Ottawa, KS. Joyce was born in St. Louis, MO, to Erwin A. and Virginia Anderson Zacher on December 2, 1932. She married Jack Ward Keller on April 9, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, KS and engaged in a happy and loving marriage. They were blessed with three children: Jacquelyn Denise, Dr. Mark Ward, and John Anderson. Joyce was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church and their Lydia Circle. She was also a member of Missouri Society of Professional Engineer Auxiliary, P.E.O. Chapter IZ of Overland Park, "Glitter Gals" a group of ladies who enjoyed visiting the Nelson Art Gallery and other museums in the area, and Partners of Principal a retired ladies group. She loved being with her family and watching her grand children grow up. Joyce was preceded in death by her father in 1974. She is survived by her loving family; husband Jack; daughter J. Denise and her husband Eric Herbst, children, Jaclyn and Andrew of Dallas, TX; son Dr. Mark Keller, children, Matthew and Kathryn of Denver, CO; son John and wife Melissa, children Jackson and Megan of Overland Park, KS; her mother, Virginia Bates of Del Mar Gardens of Overland Park, KS; her sisters, Jacqueline Skaro and husband Harry of Frisco, CO, and Joan Tiller and husband John of Kansas City, KS; and many nieces and nephews. Joyce also leaves behind countless friends. Memorials may be given to Atonement Lutheran Church, P.E.O. Chapter IZ, and St. Lukes Hospice. Her family would like to express their great appreciation and thanks to all their friends for their support and love. Her Heavenly Days have just begun. (Arr. D. W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66210 913-451-1860)