Susan Deir Kellar

Susan Deir (Adrian) Kellar, 40, passed away at her home in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Sunday, April 24, 2005, and went home to join her Savior. Susan was born January 23, 1965, in Fairfax County, Virginia. She was the youngest child of George and Barbara (Wagner) Adrian. Susan and her family lived in Barbados and Loudoun County, Virginia, while she was younger. Susan’s family moved to Doddridge County, West Virginia, when she was in grade school. Susan graduated from Doddridge County High School in 1983. She then attended Glenville State College. In 1985 she began working in the legal profession. After working several years as a legal secretary, she moved into her career as a paralegal with Johnson, Simmerman & Broughton in Clarksburg. In 1995 she married Kevin Kellar whom she had met years earlier when they both were attending Doddridge County High School. One year after she was married, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She became involved with many groups around north central West Virginia, reaching out to survivors and their families. She spoke publicly at numerous events and to the media about the importance of early detection and treatment. She was a member of the United Hospital Center’s Breast Cancer Support Group, receiving a great deal of comfort from the members there. Susan was also a member of the Welcome Baptist Church of Big Battle. One of Susan’s dreams came true in 2000 after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time. She established a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable foundation. The Susan D. Kellar Cancer Foundation’s mission is to help ease the burdens of other cancer patients. Susan was the president of the Foundation when she was healthy and also continued to help others in the times she was sick and going through treatment. Susan continued as president and tried to help other cancer survivors until the time of her death. In recognition of Susan’s work with the foundation and her work in helping her community she was named “Cecil B. Highland Jr. Citizen of the Year” in 2004. As a result of Susan’s amazing love for people, she developed friendships in West Virginia as well as nationally and internationally. She has left an immeasurable amount of hope to the many people whose lives she has touched. Susan is survived by her husband Kevin; her step-daughter Jeannie Kellar of Weirton, WV; her parents George and Barbara Adrian of Blandville, WV; her sister and brother-in-law Diane and John Byrer of Blandville, WV; her grand-mother Eugenia Adrian of Berryville, VA; her cousin Gail and husband Steve Diullo and their daughters Amy (Susan’s God-daughter) and Kayla of Centerville, OH; her cousin Lauren and husband Troy Enz of Centerville, OH; her aunt and uncle Beverly and Bill Easton of Centerville, OH; her aunt and uncle Jean and Sidney Robertson of Stephens City, VA; her aunt and uncle Mary Ellen and Samuel Adrian of Boyce, VA; her aunt and uncle Phyllis and John Adrian of West Union, WV; the members of her breast cancer support group; and her many dear family and friends who helped her so much during her life. Susan was preceded in death by her brother Richard (Ricky) Adrian; grand-parents Edith and Richard Wagoner, and Samuel Adrian. Family and friends may at the Davis Funeral Home, One Olen Thomas Drive (Rt. 98), Clarksburg, West Virginia, call from 2-8pm Wednesday, where funeral services will be held there at Thursday, April 28TH AT 1:00pm, with Susan’s good friend, Pastor Linda Muhly officiating. Immediately following the funeral service, family and friends are invited to bring photos and stories to share with one another until 5:00 at Benedum Civic Center, 164 W. Main Street, Bridgeport. A small, private, grave-side service will be held Friday at the Big Battle Cemetery in Doddridge County with Pastor Linda Muhly officiating. Due to limited access and availability, only family will be in attendance. Donations may be made to the Susan D. Kellar Cancer Foundation (205 Winding Way; Clarksburg, WV; www.EaseTheBurden.com). Susan’s family may be reached by e-mail to KevinKellar@hotmail.com.