Ernest A. Keller

1929 - 2021

Ernest A. "Ernie" Keller, 92, of Arona, passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 1, 1929, in Arona, son of the late George and Larue (Peoples) Keller. Ernest attended Arona School House in Arona. Ernest was a lifetime member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Arona. He was also a lifetime member and President of Frog Hollow Camp in McKean County. Ernest worked and retired from Leese & Co. as a lathe hand after many years of service. He was the owner and operator for over 40 years of Keller's Slaughterhouse in Arona. Ernest was an avid fisherman and hunter, making many fishing trips to places including New York and Canada. He loved the outdoors and being in the woods. He enjoyed traveling through his lifetime, making trips to Nashville, Florida, New Orleans, Alaska and Montana. He was a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He was a hard worker and enjoyed spending time in his garden. He watched baseball, went square dancing and was known for his home-made sausage. In his younger years, he was a catcher for the Arona baseball team. He is preceded in death by both parents; one daughter, June Gibino; one granddaughter, Tara Brown-Sellers; six brothers, Lawrence (Curly) Keller, Lewis (Bub) Keller, George (Toods) Keller, Donald (Babe) Keller, Leroy (Turney) Keller and Vernon (Joe) Keller; five sisters, Mary (Dolly) Garlow, Louella (Lell) Keller, Bernadine (Bern) Keller, Dolores (Dee) Kopp and Julia Keller; two half-brothers, William Keller and Charles Keller; one infant sister; and his beloved cat, Simon. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Margaret (Lachesky) Keller; two daughters, Jackie (Jeff) Wareham, of New Stanton, and Joyce (Geno) Sellers, of Alaska; five grandchildren, Jaime Wareham, Joell Clark, Ted Brown, Heather Proctor and Brandon Sellers; eight great-grandchildren, Lila, Grayson, Lilly, Evelyn, Lanny, Waylon, Harlowe and Porter; one sister, Viola Wingerter, of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at the BEATTY-RICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 136 Madison, Ronald A. Rich Jr., supervisor/funeral director. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, with Pastor Samuel Schiederer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in memory of Ernest to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 103, Arona, PA 15617. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.beatty-richfuneralhome.com.