Lu Keller

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In Loving Memory
Lullu Bell Keller
9/5/1942-7/5/2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lu Keller, who departed this world with family by her side, on July 5th, 2025. Lu was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and a cherished member of the community. Born on September 5th, 1942, in Atchison, KS, she was baptized in the Methodist church as a baby, and later at age 10, baptized in the Christian Church in Reserve. She enjoyed bible school and attended church camp for several years.
Lu endured a life filled with remarkable challenges, accomplishments, hard work, and quiet, meaningful moments that touched the hearts of many. As a child, her family moved to Reserve where she attended elementary school and high school. Lu was a cheerleader and loved to dance. She was a Halloween queen in high school, played a trumpet for her talent, and had the lead in 3 years of class plays. She absolutely loved school.
Lu's future husband, George "Bud" Keller asked her out her sophomore year, and again her junior year she said she turned him down both times. Eventually seeing him again halfway through her Senior year and she decided to ask a friend to set them up. The two were married 9 months later October 30th, 1960. After borrowing $10 to pay the preacher, the couple began their lives together. They started with a small amount of furniture in a rented house at a rate of $25 per month. No phone, no cabinets, no washer and dryer, but they made do.
Lu found work in garment factories as a young woman and said that this is where she learned to work hard and fast. Eventually starting a family, they moved to the country near White Cloud in 1973. Lu was a devoted homemaker and did whatever she had to do to help on their farm and in the fields. Lu and Bud raised 3 children, many animals, including cattle and horses. They were members of the White Cloud Saddle Club and enjoyed traveling to horse shows with many friends over the years.
At age 40 she began a 29-year career working for the Iowa Tribe and managing the Bingo operation before retiring at age 69. She had a hard nose attitude, a pioneer spirit, and a big heart. Lu experienced many hardships but had a smile to hide it all behind. Lu left an indelible mark on the world and an everlasting legacy. Anyone who knew Lu will never forget her smile.
Above all, Lu will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering integrity, and boundless love for family and friends. Lu found joy in the simplest of things. She loved mowing her lawn, feeding her horses, spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had a way of inspiring others to live fully and compassionately.
Lu is survived by her brothers Dale and wife Linda Sanders, Topeka, KS, John and Michelle Sanders, Panama City, FL, Jerry Sanders, Reserve KS, Her Children, Chris, wife Karla Keller, White Cloud KS, daughter Angie, and husband Bill Davidson, Rulo, NE and son Wes and wife Mindy Keller, Highland, KS. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren who will carry forward the lessons, values, and love that she so generously imparted. Lu is now reunited with her parents Vester Dale and Hazel Myers Sanders, as well as the love of her life, George "Bud" Thomas Keller, resting in eternal peace.
A celebration of Lu's life will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha with Tony French officiating. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud. All who knew and loved Lu Keller are welcome to attend as we honor her memory and the joy she brought into our lives.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Wednesday where the family will meet with friends from 6-8 that evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lu Keller Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
wwwchapeloaksfuneralhome.com