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Kelly Keller Obituary
Kelly Ann Keller, born in Eunice, LA, August 17, 1960, passed away, Saturday, September 25, 2004, in New Orleans, LA. Kelly was co-owner of the Circle Bar and a longtime musical entrepreneur. She was in love with music and lived life filled with a myriad of friends from all over the world. Her capacity to enjoy and to embrace her family and friends spanned classes, clutures, and countries. Kelly epitomized ""joie de vive!'' Kelly is survived by: her parents: Reginald and Gerry Keller of Eunice, LA; her brother, Emile and his wife, Yvette of Charlotte, NC and their children: Ryan and his wife, Kelly, Jessica and Andrew; her sister, Ginger and her husband, Gary Gannaway of Austin, TX and their three sons: Shane, Casey and Evan; and her sister, Gayle and her husband, Chris Scarfi; plus hundreds of close friends. Services for Kelly will he held on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Eunice, LA. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Mausoleum. Fr. Tom Voorhies and Msgr. Harry Benefield will officiate. The visitation will be held at the Funeral Home beginning on Monday, September 27, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. until time of services. A rosary will be prayed Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. Everyone who every met Kelly Keller will never forget her. ARDOIN'S FUNERAL HOME, Eunice, LA (337) 457-3317, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Keller
Sponsored by G. Keller.
Cindi Manuel Detraz
November 22, 2023
I have never met anyone, before or since, who loved to laugh as much as Kelly Ann Keller. I´ll never love another friend like that. She was a gem. I will miss here so much.
David clements
September 25, 2023
Missing Kelly , and all the wonderful things she brought to all of us that were lucky enough to know her , ( and even those who weren´t lucky enough to know her ) . Your light still shines bright !
S.
September 22, 2023
Love you forever, Belly.
S.
Michelle Beavers
August 17, 2023
Happy Birthday dearest Kelly.
I'm listening to Al Green in tribute to your special day. Working up at the lake and I just was thinking you would enjoy all this natural beauty and how much better it would be with you here. You made everything such an adventure!
I miss you everyday
david s clements
September 25, 2022
I've been thinking about Kelly a lot today , and about people I miss , ( today would have been my Dads 100th birthday ) and just wanted to say how
much I miss her , and all the beautiful things she did for me , and so many other people . Love you and miss you very much !
Sandra
September 22, 2022
Will love Kelly forever.
Laura
February 13, 2021
Oh, Dave, what a beautiful dream! Maybe it was Kelly's way of telling you that it was okay that you closed the Circle Bar. We have all those lovely memories of the music! Take care, from your & Kelly's door grrl, Laura.
david clements
February 11, 2021
just had a wonderful / crazy dream this morning . Came outside from some party and see Ben Sandmel standing there doing some goofy dance , so I walk over to say hello , and now Joey Torres is there dancing too ? (more like a nightmare actually ! ) . So I figure I should bust a move , then Kelly shows up wearing a beautiful blue flower dress and big smile on her face . and starts dancing too . I jokingly tell her she's ok but can't touch Ben and got the big stink stare , ( then her big beautiful smile ) and kept dancing . Got woke up by a phone call , but can still see her in my mind , and wish it wasn't just a dream . I miss you darlin' !!
Connie Kirch
February 20, 2020
Thinking of my sweet, dear Kelly. I came across a postcard tonight that you sent to me so many years ago. You closed it with your devoted friend - such a Kelly thing to write. Made me smile, remember and cry. My heart aches. I miss you so.
Michelle Beavers
September 25, 2019
Missing you my sweet friend. XO
Billy Sanders
December 13, 2018
Having Gerry's incredible gumbo on your parents front porch is one of the fondest memories of my youth. Rest in peace Kelly Ann
December 13, 2018
Having Gerry's incredible gumbo on your parents front porch is one of the fondest memories of my youth. Rest in peace Kelly Ann - Billy Sanders
Barbara
October 8, 2017
I was just thinking about that great Howard Tate show and remembering how cool it was to run into you at the Circle Bar. Love from one of the many people whose lives you enriched through your love of music.
August 17, 2017
Happy Birthday Kelly Ann!
always thinking of you.
C Valencia
November 14, 2014
Thinking of you. Always will.
Laura Ferrara
September 28, 2014
Miss you, Kelly! Love from your Circle Bar door grrl, Laura
Cindi
September 27, 2014
It seems like yesterday. Two days past the anniversary. And i still can't believe it. It still takes my breath away when i think of it. But,in my mind, you will always be young, you will always be beautiful, and you always be listening to a great band.
September 25, 2014
missing you today--everyday
April 22, 2014
my name is Kelly Ann Keller (I married a Keller) I was also born in 1960 & I think your Kelly & I would have been friends! I look forward to meeting her in heaven!
Cindi
November 4, 2012
Taking down Halloween decorations...remembering how you laughed at my pumpkin tie, bar-hoppin and Trick-r-Treating.
August 17, 2012
Today is your birthday. If you were here, I would bake you a cake. Happy Birthday
Cindi Manuel Detraz
August 17, 2012
Sleep well, birthday girl. You are not forgotten, dear friend, not forgotten.
Joseph Darensbourg
August 16, 2012
Happy Birthday Jelly Jelly,,we miss you
Coliseum St.
Marina Del Ray
August 15, 2012
Happy Birthday KAK - from your BR boys
Tom O
April 14, 2012
Sitting in NYC, can't sleep after a long shift at the bar. Thinking about Ms. Kelly and all the good things she did in this world. Things sure were cooler then. She is still sorely missed.
Joe Darensbourg
January 2, 2012
Bonne Anne to all the Kellers Light and Love Joe
December 31, 2011
Bonne année sugar angel ...
gayle
Cindi
December 22, 2011
Kelly, I just watched the Christmas movie with the little boy singing that song you loved to sing with me,
"Hey Mary. Watcha gonna name dat purty liddle baa-aa-bee? Some people call him one thang...I think I call him Jee-ee--sus.....
I laughed and cried at the same time when I saw it. Merry Christmas to you and all the other Angels! We remember and we love you.
Cindi
September 26, 2011
You still make me cry when I try to talk about you.
Sandra Whiteknact
September 24, 2011
9/25/2011--
Kelly Belly...
pure raw brilliant energy. You taught me a lot about music and love. I can still feel the way the air felt in Baton Rouge hanging out during a Dash Rip Rock break. You were love and your family is love. Mardi Gras, Mamou, gumbo, and your mama's sweet smelling kitchen. Years later, eating Stacy's biscuits in the East Village in NYC. There will never, ever be another like you...absolute excellent authenticity. I can still feel those strong, skinny little arms that could break your neck when you hugged. Good hugs. I will always remember and love you. Rest gently, beautiful girl.
Michael Dominici
August 10, 2011
Was just thinking of Kelly. She represented some of my favorite aspects of life in New Orleans. I always felt that when you were in same room with her she somehow made it feel like you were in the coolest place to be in the world at that moment. Her energy and spirit is what I remember since I was not personally close to her but simply admired her from afar and shared many mutual friends and acquaintances. New Orleans needed her and she's such a sadder city without Kelly Keller in it; as indeed I'm sure most of us feel this world is without her. She left her mark and her passing left a wound that will never heel to those that knew her, I'm sure.
Country Swing
July 4, 2011
Part of our Christmas yearly.
Michelle Kozuchowski
December 24, 2010
August 30, 2010
Thanks to you and your sister for introducing me to a whole new world of music. My thoughts go out to you and your wonderful, generous family. You were a true star.
cindi manuel
August 21, 2010
Happy Birthday Kel....we miss you.
August 17, 2010
Happy Birthday Kelly...miss you so much! With love from Michigan, Michelle
August 17, 2010
happy birthday kelly!
Mike Buck
January 4, 2010
thinking of you
Just ain't the same without you!!! xo M
Michelle Kozuchowski
December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas from Dawn Davenport!! I love and miss you more everyday sister! Rest in Peace my beautiful girl....With Love from Michigan, Michelle xo
Michelle Kozuchowski
December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas from Dawn Davenport!! I love and miss you more each and everyday!! With all my love to you sister!!!!!! XOXOXO Michell from Michigan
Peter Holsapple
December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas, Kelly, miss you every day, sweet friend.
Lyn Fontenot
August 19, 2009
Kelly,
I think of you often, and I keep you in my prayers.
Cuz Lyn
Michelle
August 18, 2009
I miss you so much................
Laura Ferrara
August 18, 2008
Dearest Kelly,
This is Laura your door grrl. I just got back from seeing your old friend Jesse Malin perform in Atlanta; after speaking with him about how much we both loved you, he sang "Summer & Smoke", the song he wrote telling your story. Hopefully it will be on his next album. You would have been proud; it's a beautiful song.
christopher strawberry
August 17, 2008
Kelly, I am glad I got to hang out with you. The show in NYC, meeting Ray Davies, finding your stolen car that was such a beater they abandoned it a few blocks away, discovering the K+B clock and bringing it to the Circle Bar, listening to records...To find out about you the way I did, locked up in OPP; it was one of the saddest days I have ever known and I will never forget you. Love, Strawberry
Michelle
August 17, 2008
I just got back from the house in Gladwin and have been thinking about you all day. I remember the time you called me there and I was shocked because no one has that tel number. But, how could I be surprised....you always knew how to reach me! I'm wearing my "I Love LA" t-shirt today in memory of you and your Birthday. I miss you and love you. Things just haven't been the same without you around....
January 19, 2008
Just when I think I can take a deep breath without my heart aching, Christmas comes around to remind me of sitting around your mom's table....and I miss you even more.
Michelle Kozuchowski
November 11, 2007
Just thinking about you Kelly!!
Jim marshall
August 17, 2007
happy birthday Kelly.....
jamie mcgee
July 27, 2007
i will never forget how you got me a ring to give to sandy in the 8th grade. i told her it cost a lot then, belive i gave you ten bucks;ha ha.
Janis Beck
July 27, 2007
This is a wonderful tribute & website. Brought tears to my eyes.
Michael Dominici
May 4, 2007
This is such a touching tribute to Kelly! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get back to New Orleans for Jazz Fest this year but finding this site certainly made my day. I feel honored to have my contribution to Kelly's legacy posted here and was especially moved to hear her voice again via those WTUL radio segments.
Cindi Manuel Detraz
April 22, 2007
Spring Fair..thinking of you losing your shoe in the "Bullit", making tuna sandwiches at Jolene's, dropping the transmission out of your blue and white car, falling out my Granny's tree with pine needles in your mouth. Playing just isn't fun without you.....Cindi
Caroline Valencia
April 13, 2007
Saw something, heard a song, felt the breeze always know when I'm missing you, you're right there.
Jacob
December 28, 2006
Thank you so much!
David Rhoden
December 25, 2006
We still think about you and miss you, Kelly.
Ken Field
December 23, 2006
Best wishes to all, with fond memories of Kelly's Boston days.
mel ishtar
November 1, 2006
hii my best friend her name is kelly keller to
Laura Ferrara
August 21, 2006
Last week we commemorated Kelly's birthday @Circle Bar. Many people were there, having fun and listening to great music. Kelly would have been happy. It was good to have so many people remembering her and saying nice things. We all miss her but are proud to carry on in her name.
Mardi Gras Mamou 79
Tommy Hillman
July 24, 2006
Kelly Kelly Kelly. I stopped by the Circle Bar and it's just not the same. I saw this picture from days gone by and I thought about you all day.
It's the little things that make you love someone. Photo by Cindi.
April 17, 2006
Kelly Kimono decorating for prom at age 17. By Cindi.
April 17, 2006
Beth, Kelly and Cindi 1978 at the "cliffs"
April 17, 2006
Cindi Detraz
April 17, 2006
Happy Easter, Kel. God blessed me again last night when you visited my dreams. Come again. Love you so much! Gayle and Ginger....I am praying every day.
Cin
Laura Uhlman
April 13, 2006
I miss you Kelly. Thinking about you....
Stuart Frazer
October 27, 2005
I was lucky enough to work with Kelly for several years in the early/mid 1980s at Mushroom and Kinko's. She was always so much fun to be around, so funny and bright. I only now found out about her passing. I know anyone who spent any time with her can only remember her in the fondest sense.
chris maguire
September 14, 2005
kelly came to me in a dream just days before the New Orleans flood. perhaps it was a sign of some kind but she is alive and well in spirit and hopefully she will come to those who have been so hurt and displaced by this tragedy. thanks, kelly, please come again, we need you.
your pal forever
chris
Laura Ferrara
August 29, 2005
I am glad Kelly is not here to witness the destruction of our beloved city. I guess the benefits are postponed now. I hope the music scene will help each other through this time of crisis.
Cindi Manuel
August 26, 2005
Happy Birthday, beautiful angel. (8-17) Missing you.----Cin
Sally Showalter
August 26, 2005
Typical overheard conversation anywhere I worked in the East Village NYC 1989-1994. "Whadduya
doin this weekend?" "Kelly Keller's
in town so I'll be following her around as much as possible wherever she goes...!" Legendary. Amen.
erik corveaux
August 25, 2005
much love namaste KK
all hail those you love
ivan bodley
July 23, 2005
if the average human life were equivalent to a candle flame, kelly would be a forest fire! the world is a less illuminated place without her. but, oh, the things we saw while she was here....
Cindi Manuel Detraz
July 9, 2005
My best friend Kelly. Kindred spirits (and partners in crime) from the day we met at Campfire camp. This beautiful, China-doll creature who shared my joys, sorrows, secrets, (and many trips to the principal's office) during our wonderful friendship. How lucky I feel to have known such an incredible person! Thank you, Kelly- for the love, the laughter, and the cold beer. I miss you every day. Love, Cindi
Sissy Henderson Albertine
May 30, 2005
Dear Keller family,
You must be heartbroken. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lyn Fontenot
May 29, 2005
My Dear Kelly,
Through the years, you've helped and inspired so many artists, promoted the love of music, and influenced those around you to follow their heart's desire. In my opinion, your life on Earth was a tremendous success. Thanks for sharing part of it with me.
Until we meet again ... I love you.
Your cousin,
Lyn
John Seminerio
November 4, 2004
We met Kelly in 1984, she had sent me a Dash tape when I was doing a fanzine and Sue & I came down for Mardi Gras. The very next year she insisted that we stay at her place for a few days before the big weekend so we could eek out a longer vacation and stretch a buck. We hardly knew her! We're from New York, stuff like that doesn't happen everyday. We would stay a day or two before bands from out of town came in (folks that really needed to stretch a buck). People have said it here before, she could make New Orleans more fun! She was always generous with her knowledge of what was shaking and where. We were glad to hear that she had gone back to Naw'lins and hooked up w/ Dave & Co. at Circle Bar. There was no doubt that the place would rock. You always want to see your friends suceed. You always want your friends to stick around. I am glad Kelly Kell went out on top, doing what she loved to do and making a kick ass go of it. We'll miss you smiley.
All our Love
All our Prayers
John, Sue & Anton Seminerio
The Big Apple
Kelly in New Orleans, 1983
October 22, 2004
andrew burns
October 21, 2004
a flood of fond memories...i think of you daily.
your spirit lives on in my heart and in my soul. i miss you.
andrew burns
Lisa Mednick-Powell
October 13, 2004
"When old age shall this generation waste,
Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,"--that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."
-John Keats
Love and prayers to Kelly and her family, she was--and is--a beautiful and truthful spirit.
kelly in jamaica, 18 years old
October 7, 2004
wayne viens
September 30, 2004
MY DEAR SISTER-YOUR SMILE -YOUR LAUGHTER-YOUR ENTHUSIASIM-YOUR GENUINE INTEREST AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS-YOUR DEEP DEEP SOUL, WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND ALL WHO WERE LUCKY ENUFF TO KNOW OR MEET YOU.I AM GRATEFULL THAT I COULD SEE YOU ON YOUR FINAL JOURNEY ON THIS EARTH AND TO BE IN THE LAND OF YOUR BIRTH TO SEND YOU ON YOUR WAY. LINDA AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR HOME AND I AM SURE IN A MILLION SONGS THAT WE HEAR!!! OOH POO PA DOO
Linda Viens
September 30, 2004
Bright spirit, special special Kelly, I still do not understand that you are gone from this earth. Gone in body but so alive for us in spirit and soul. The spark and fire with which you lived will fuel us all for our time left on this planet: to love life passionately, to believe in the power of art to heal and transform us, and to never, ever, stop seeking. All my love to you dear friend on your journey forth...Linda
stacy grabert
September 30, 2004
oh no kellybelly -
whenever her name is spoken, smiles appear on anyone who knows her - a great and fun spirit will live on with everyone who knew her. I LOVE THAT FACE! THAT HEART!!!
i remember her at lsu, new orleans, nyc and back here in nola and hope to keep those special memories for a long, long time.
my heart hurts for her 2 wonderful sisters, ginger (ganger!) and gayle....and for her parents whom i met too briefly but felt closer to because of kelly's love for them.
god bless you both and know always how deeply your beautiful daughter touched those around her.
it feels like we've all been robbed.
Virginia Prescott
September 30, 2004
I've been pouring over pictures of you and your wide smile and your bright eyes. What a terrible loss. The saddest thought is that I won't hear you laugh or see you dance again. My heart goes out to your family. With love from Fahchingers.
Julie Farman
September 29, 2004
So deeply saddened...My thoughts and prayers are with you all...I will always remember Kelly as the incredibly vibrant, warm, and amazing woman I knew so many years ago.
Gary D. Reeves
September 29, 2004
Sweet Kelly, the dimples deep, the toothy smile behind lips that spoke words that could both excite and incite those around you, you were an inspiration for freedom of expression for all of us who were gifted with your presence in our lives.
Boco
September 29, 2004
Sweet Kelly,
Look around up there for Joe. He will take good care of you.
I love you baby girl.
Jeanne Landymore
September 29, 2004
To Kelly
Whose very nature compelled so many to gather and honor and celebrate the spirit of your life, you were an admirable creature of this earth. Your endevors to cultivate , influence and support the art of music and the appreciation of life shall live on in all of the artists you supported and and the friends you made. May your family find Peace and Pride from your accomplishments and your experience of a life well spent.
With much respect,
Ilene Markell
September 28, 2004
It's saying a lot when a person can make New Orleans more fun....but I remember that smile of yours as the harbinger of anything-goes amusements. You were so much fun and had so much energy for life, birthday twin, I really cannot believe you are gone. My thoughts are with your family....
Mary Waguespack
September 28, 2004
Kelly, So many of my best memories include you, girl-- from our times at LSU, to Jeds, Jimmys, Tips, Magazine St, even Boston.... I'm so sorry we lost touch over the years. I will always remember you with much much love. You are gone too soon. You and your family are in my prayers tonight.
Joseph B Darensbourg
September 28, 2004
Jelly,You held my hand and showed me the greatness of the heavens and earth in humankind..We are one heart shy of perfection without you..Your Love is so large ,it pours fountains of infinate potential. The dreams you nurtured for us, more than we ever imagined for ourselves all came true.
Laura Ferrara
September 28, 2004
I'll never forget when Crow & Dexter of Flat Duo Jets stayed @ your house on 8th Street & what fun we had! We in the music scene will remember you forever & be grateful for the time we knew you. I hope you are at peace & there's a lot of music where you are. Love always.
Angie Bollich
September 28, 2004
All who knew Kelly, knew goodness- a nonjudgmental, open-handed welcome and assist, and a woman who lived life fully. Her smile will continue to brighten our lives.
Peter Holsapple
September 28, 2004
Kelly, you gave so much to musicians like myself for which we could never begin to thank you enough. So much love and so much happiness, enthusiasm, support. You will always be in our hearts, and we will try to carry on the good work you fostered.
La'Sha Pink
September 28, 2004
We are so sorry to hear of loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Karen Barranco
September 28, 2004
Kelly,
You were always there. We always had fun. Dino and I will miss you terribly. I am so glad I got to see you at my baby shower and will keep you in our thoughts forever through the blanket you gave my son. They don’t make them like you anymore and I am really, really sad. New Orleans has suffered a great loss.
Love, Karen
Lisa Monrose
September 28, 2004
Your beauty shone bright on the outside and the inside, bringing joy to so many of us. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your spirit and friendship with us. We will miss you, girleen. Love you always, Cielo
Denise West Stanco
September 28, 2004
I was very sorry to hear about Kelly. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deidre Manuel
September 28, 2004
REMEMBERING YOU KELLY...AND THAT BEUATIFUL SMILE...LOVE,DEEDY...
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