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Helen L. "Lucy" Keller

1923 - 2006

Helen L. "Lucy" Keller

1923 - 2006

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1923

DIED

2006

Helen Keller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 18, 2006.

HELEN L. “LUCY” KELLER, age 82, a resident of Irving, Texas for 38 years formerly of Neosho, Missouri, died Monday, April 17, 2006 at an Irving hospital. Born December 5. 1923 in Paragould, Arkansas to James Andrew and Elsie Mae Gay Little, she was a member of Oak View Baptist Church and a former member of MacArthur Blvd. Baptist Church in Irving. Lucy was a longstanding member of South Central Region of the Soroptomists International of the Americas in both the Grand Prairie and Irving chapters. Over the years, she held many positions locally and regionally. She chaired many committees and she was honored with a regional service project being named after her, the “Lucy Keller Dreams in Action Project.” Lucy was also an active member of the Irving Senior Arts Program. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph F. Keller and sisters, Orinta Hinkle and Elwanda Campbell. Survivors include daughter, Patricia M. Mobley; daughter, Diana C. Armstrong and husband Rodney; daughter-in-law, Gail Keller; brother, James N. Little; sister-in-law, Maxine Keller; ten grandchildren; and, three great-grandchildren. Visitation 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at Donnelly’s Colonial Funeral Home. Service 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 22, 2006 at Oak View Baptist Church. Dr. Jim Gerlach officiating. Burial to follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving. In honor of her desires, the family is requesting, in place of flowers, donations may be made to Continuing The Vision at Oak View Baptist Church, 1004 S. Story Road, Irving, TX 75060 or to Rodney and Diana Armstrong, P.O. Box 154275, Irving, Texas 75015-4275 for their mission work.

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Recent Activity

April 20, 2006

Nancy Idzorek posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2006

Kathy Ritterhouse posted to the memorial.

April 19, 2006

Brenda Jetton posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Nancy Idzorek

April 20, 2006

Dear family and friends of Lucy,

My first memories of Lucy are from about 50+ years ago! She was an attractive young bride in her late twenties with a young son, Joe – I was a young girl - Joe's cousin, the daughter of Lucy's sister Orinta. Joe and I were three months apart in age. Christmas and Thanksgiving were always very special! All the "Little" clan gathered at Ma-ma and Pa-pa’s house for a wonderful dinner and time to be together! I remember Gerald Wayne (Elwanda's son -- Elwanda was the "middle" sister) as the oldest cousin. He always had some kind of football game or gizmo that occupied the guys--especially Uncle Jimmy! My sisters are Margaret and Benigna and Diana, Debbie, and Patti were all the really young cousins!

A number of years later when I was a young co-ed at the University of Dallas and Lucy and family lived in Irving, Texas, I was a frequent visitor at Lucy’s for dinner along with my college roommate Susie Idzorek (eventually to become my sister-in-law). Susie and I enjoyed good times at Lucy’s home. I remember playing with Diana and Patti-- Joe was away at Annapolis. Lucy was always so good to Susie and me and she would occasionally loan us her car – what was she thinking!?

Susie married on December 28, 1968 to a young man from Arlington, Texas and the Idzoreks (who eventually became my in-laws) and I all stayed at Lucy’s home while the Kellers all went to Paragould for Christmas.

In June of 1969, history repeated itself when my Mom, Dad, sisters, and Aunt Beatrice stayed in Lucy’s home when I married Scott Idzorek (Susie’s older brother) on June 7 at the University of Dallas chapel in Irving.

Now fast forward many years to about 4 years ago when my Mom, Orinta Henkel, was staying with us. She had a severe heart condition and could no longer live in her own home in Arkansas. She was spending most of her time with my sister, Margaret, in Massachusetts. However, Mom wintered at our home in Arizona and we were so blessed to have Lucy come to visit us for a week for two years in a row! It was something that brought so much joy to Mom and to Scott and me as well! It was fun to hear them reminisce about their days as young women rooming together in town and giggling about the good times. Mom sometimes would say that those carefree years were the happiest of her life. Mom always loved to recite a little poem about "Lucy Locket" who lost her pocket. She loved Lucy so dearly.

When Mom died in April of last year, Lucy, though in ill health, came to the services in Arkansas. That was Lucy -- she was always there for family and friends.

What a wonderful person Lucy was -- generous, loving, patient, and kind — and such a doer! Forever we will hold her dear and close in our hearts and memories!

Nancy Henkel Idzorek and Scott Idzorek

Kathy Ritterhouse

April 20, 2006

Lucy will be sorely missed by her sisters in the Grand Prairie Soroptimist Club. She was a hard-worker and an inspiration to all of us. Who will keep us on the financial straight and narrow now? I am sorry I will be out of town for the funeral because Lucy earned my respect and I'll not be there to show it on Saturday.

Brenda Jetton

April 19, 2006

Lucy , you were a very strong lady and a wonderfully strong christian. I know you will be talking up a storm with your loved ones in heaven . You will be greatly missed but never forgotten. The world will be sad without you in it but happy you are well now. Until we meet again May you rest inpeace.

Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home

April 18, 2006

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.