Marilyn Elizabeth Keller

Marilyn Elizabeth Keller, 86, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 12th, 2026, peacefully with her family by her side.
Marilyn was born on October 31st, 1939 to the late Evelyn Kaitschuck and Henry Carl Rickman. Marilyn graduated from Linden-McKinley High School in 1957 and attended college at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.
On August 6, 1960, Marilyn wed her high school sweetheart, Jerry Keller at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio officiated by the late Pastor Stuck. Marilyn worked as a secretary for Prudential after they were married; but not for long because they soon began a family and Marilyn stayed home to raise their children Mike and Cheryl. Being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother brought her great joy! Her biggest smiles came when holding or seeing a new grandchild. Marilyn had a sweet and kind gentle spirit and was the heart of her family. Marilyn loved the Lord and sought to instill that in her children and grandchildren as she read them Bible stories, played Christian singalong tapes, and taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. She loved singing the hymns of faith whether at church, doing the dishes or most recently at her assisted living facility. She also enjoyed going to the movies as well as watching reruns of I Love Lucy Show and Andy Griffith, trips to Bob Evans, the Dairy Queen and a good piece of chocolate.
Marilyn loved animals too; over the years the family had a number of pets ranging from bunnies and parakeets to guinea pigs and dogs. Marilyn enjoyed travel much more than Jerry, so she took special memorable mother-daughter trips and trips with her son and daughter-in- law. When Jerry was at Boy Scout camp with their son, she especially enjoyed having sole ownership of the car for a week and using the grocery money to eat out with her daughter. Marilyn also worked at the Christian Armory Bookstore for many years and later the Franklin County Courthouse until she retired. Marilyn never forgot a birthday, always sending cards and giving gifts to all those she knew. In her later years, Marilyn and Jerry enjoyed many special vacations with their children and grandchildren, as well as feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. Jerry and Marilyn faithfully attended St. Luke Lutheran Church of Columbus, Ohio.
Marilyn is preceded in death by Jerry Keller (husband), Carl and Evelyn Rickman (parents), Dorothy Spangler (sister), Donald Rickman (brother), Harold and Roberta Keller (husband's parents), Nolan Jackson (great grandson), and Matt Roseberry (step-grandson).
Marilyn is survived by her brother, Ronald (Amy) Rickman, and children Mike (Mona) Keller and Cheryl (Pat) Ferraro, six grandchildren Chelsea (Jack) Ellison, Katie (Vinnie) Camacho, Hallie Jackson, Joshua Ferraro, Christen (Alex) Kimble, Zachary (Caitlyn) Ferraro and one step-grandchild Abbi (Joseph) Binnix, seven great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A very special and heartfelt thank you to the Kingston Residence Memory Care and Tranquility Hospice Team; thank you for your loving and compassionate care. You all are truly a blessing!
If desired, donations may be made to Tranquility Hospice.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, from 9:30-11:00am, Funeral Ceremony will follow at 11:00AM and luncheon immediately following at St. Luke's Church, 4456 Morse Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43230.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Marilyn's family and online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com