Joan Dellinger Keller

Joan Dellinger Keller, a devoted wife, loving mother and proud Nan of Taneytown, Maryland passed away peacefully on December 20th at the age of 90. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Earl and their son, David Earl Keller. In addition, she was predeceased by her brothers, John "Junior" Milavec and Jerald "Jerry" John Milavec.
Born on January 21st,1935 in Shallmar, Maryland to John F. and Beulah O. Milavec. She was raised in Kitzmiller and graduated from Elk Garden High School. She had previously attended Kitzmiller High School where she was a cheerleader. Upon graduation, she lived and worked in Euclid, OH until her marriage. Once back in Maryland, she accepted a job with C&P Telephone company where she was the editor of The Transmitter, an internal company newsletter
Joan was a wonderful cook and baker who shared the gift of hospitality effortlessly with all. Homecooked meals were a daily occurrence, and the cookie jar was rarely empty. Jars of her homemade apple butter were freely given and lucky were those to receive a coveted invite to a breakfast of buckwheat cakes and country sausage. Joan's love of cooking and her talent in the kitchen were put to good use during her years of service to Liberty Grove United Methodist Church. Whether preparing a bereavement dinner, cooking for the youth group or organizing the waitstaff for the annual Turkey Supper, Joan's service to others always took a path through the kitchen.
Joan's greatest joy in life was her family. She was married for 70 years to the love of her life, Earl P. Keller. They grew up together in Western Maryland and relocated to the DC area upon their marriage in 1955. Their first child, David, was born in 1960 and from then on Joan devoted herself to raising their children and keeping a warm, loving home. Family was everything to her and she never missed an opportunity to be with her husband and children from the ballfields to the dinner table. She showed the same level of devotion to her grandchildren.
Joan is survived by her son, John Keller (Sandy) of Ellicott City, MD, her daughter, Rhonda Brooks (Kevin) of Hoover, AL and her daughter in law, Jeannette Keller of Charles Town, WV. She leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as Nan: Meagan Keller, Ryan Keller, Katlyn Keller Taylor (Owen), Nicole Keller (fiancé Tim Liebno), Jake Keller, David Brooks, Kara Brooks Eiford (Walker) and Kathryn Brooks.
Due to weather considerations, services will be postponed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Earl and Joan Keller Memorial Fund at Tom's Creek United Methodist Church at 10926 Simmons Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.