Martha R. Keller

Martha R. Keller

Age: 89

Into God's Loving Arms

Martha Riddleberger Keller, 89, went to be with her Lord May 20, 2016.  Her later years were spent in Michigan near her daughter Robin and husband Richard Mapes.

Martha's life will be celebrated on May 27, 2016 at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.  The family will have a private time together before receiving friends, from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a graveside service in Thornrose Cemetery at 3 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Clay Sterrett.

Active pallbearers will be Greg Keller, Justin Spangler, Richard Mapes, John Davis, and Jason Keller.

Martha was born July 15, 1926 in Parkersburg, West VA.  She called Staunton, VA her home all her life.  Preceded in death by her husband Henry Lee Keller, Jr., father Hubert Calvin Riddleberger, mother Eleanor Mary Riddleberger, sister Barbara Watts of Georgia and sister Virginia Driver of South Carolina.

She married Henry Lee Keller, Jr. in Austin, TX, on June 24, 1944 during the 2nd World War.  Upon his return from overseas, they resided in Staunton the remainder of their 60 years of marriage.

Martha was active in Central Methodist Church primarily in the church choir.  Martha was an honors graduate of Robert E Lee High and Staunton Business College.  Working several secretarial positions off and on as her children grew up, she became a secretary of Shelburne Jr. High for 25 years until she retired.

Martha's life long passion was flowers and plants which she meticulously attended in and around her home.  In her early years she loved roller skating and various other outdoor activities.  With her children and husband she enjoyed camping among other related past times.  With Henry in her younger years enjoyed such little things as dancing to a car radio by a river on moon lit nights.

In her later years Martha enjoyed square dancing and took up art as a hobby, creating delightful paintings which her children cherish.  She thoroughly enjoyed membership in The Red Hat Society and Valley Women's Connection.

No better or more dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother could we have asked for.  Survived by her son Ronald and wife Lita of Washington State, daughter Robin and husband Richard Mapes of WI, and son Gregg Keller of VA.

Her grandchildren are Stephanie and husband Manny Ritzel, S.C. Tanya and husband Keith Stokes, S.C., Todd and wife Lisa Spangler,MI., Justin and wife Jessica Spangler,VA. Jason and wife Kaitlyn Keller, MD and Johana Keller, VA.   And one surviving aunt Ruth Sensabaugh,VA.,  in addition to 9 great grandchildren.

Martha is and always will be remembered as a loving and faithful wife.  A wonderful caring mother, a doting grandmother and great grandmother.  Known by such pet names as Mamaw and Grammie, and by her children she will always be, Mom.   

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.