Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Keith Koller Obituary
Keith is survived by his parents, Keith Koller Sr. and Karen Koller, his sister Krissy Kress, his three children, Krystle Rogers, Blake Koller and Dyllan Koller, his girlfriend of 13-years Cheryl Ruiz and her son Josh Larson.
Keith could usually be found riding his bike around town or up Telegraph Pass, which anyone could tell you, is no easy feat. He was known by many and had a nickname for mostly everyone. He was especially well known in the biking community and an inspiration to all. Only a few years ago, he would compete almost weekly in races, reaching the podium the vast majority of the time.
Not only did he ride, he was the one person in town to work on any bicycle, at any place, any time and give it back feeling brand new. For all of those who knew him, even those who knew him from afar, all had a story of some kind they could share about this one of a kind and special man.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 1st, at Desert Valley Mortuary, 138 N. Avenue B, Somerton, Arizona.
Please sign the guestbook at www.yumasun.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Koller
Freddie Mendoza
April 23, 2020
Time has passed and has help to heal some of the pain and sadness that we feel due to your passing. We find comfort in knowing that you passed from this moment and are now reunited with all that is. We may not fully understand or know the full glory you are experiencing with all who have left the present. But on the right day we will be reunited once again and share in the glory that we are destined for. Amen.
Ponyboy Loghry
May 24, 2013
When I first met Keith he kinda treated me with tough love. I guess he had to size me up, make sure I was for real. He took me under his wing like so many others. I learned his ways and still use them in my life today. My bicycle, my clothes, my thinking, my way of life, my relationship with God, all have there own way of reflecting how Keith influenced me. Everyday since he has passed has been a challenge. I cant get out of bed in the morning excited to ride because I know he wont be there. I know he is there in spirit and I have seen him next to me on his bike, but its just not the same. We talked often of Heaven. We both know and knew it was the best place ever. We longed to be together on bikes in Heaven. I cant wait for that day. This world is full of so many things that arent worth the time we give them. I wish we could all just ride our bikes together. Keith wanted it that way. I know this about life because of Keith, you have to get back on no matter what. Sometimes that means going straight to the bottom to understand yourself and what really matters. I have had a gifted life, so much more that I was able to share the last 5 years knowing Keith. I wish I knew him longer and had more time with him. He lives in my lungs, heart, and legs. I will always battle Petey, and Ill never stop. I love you man. I love you Cheryl. We will have a good time into the future together. Keith is alive in all of us!
Blake Stallworth
May 17, 2013
We have all lost people in our lives.Family members,friends,and neighbors.I am 36 years old and have lost several friends my age,and Keith allthough, older has had more of an impact on me than any of them thus far.I can't stop thinking about how influential he was to so many people.His funeral was proof.All you had to do was look around the room.Every age,every walk of life.He touched so many lives.He had this amazing sense about him.No matter who you were, or from what walk of life, Keith's presense was stronger than life.ON AND OFF THE BIKE.Wheather doing the right thing or the wrong thing,keith was always doing it bigger and better than all of us.When he found God,I remember thinking "right on"I always knew God was with him.Keith just finally invited him in formally.What an amazing invite.Through Got Keith was able to be an inspiration to us all durining his struggle.He continued to make us laugh,cry,and wonder.Wonder how a man so loved,so strong,and so amazing could be taken from us.Why? Because God needed him to shine in heaven, like he shined on earth.
john leroy
May 15, 2013
I would like the family to contact me 254 598 8978
john le
May 15, 2013
my preyers go out to the family
May 15, 2013
I would like u to email family ofkeith or call 254 598 8978 I would like to no if this the same keith koller that I remember my name is john Leroy I live in texas now
brian makeever
May 13, 2013
Keith was to me in high school like a older brother I never had. We sure did some wiild crazy things ski trips, surfing in baja mexico and riding bikes around yuma town.
Glad to hear that Keith accepted Jesus so did I and he just made it before I did. And kbow that would want everyone to meet him in glory too. He sure could ride a bike I think he still holds a bike racing record or two in AZ.
Peace of God be to his family
In Jesus Name
We all will see
vicky curry
May 13, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rob Harden
May 6, 2013
RIP Keith
May 4, 2013
Me: what up fool
Ki: I was riding thru Somerton and there was a cement truck pulling away from a stoplight so I tucked up under it and got up to 54 miles per hour and people were passing me in carsmand looking at me like I was crazy.
Me: nothing crazy about that
May 3, 2013
Keith, you taught me the meaning of spirituality and showed me how to not live in a state of fear as you faced life chin up and straight on. You were my brother and Father when I needed that and you were their always, even for my son when I could not be. You laid a foundation of life experience for so many of us in this town. You were and are the real deal bro, I Love You and your spirit lives in me now and forever. Terry Roden (Pino)
May 2, 2013
Keith I will always miss you and never told you that you were like the older brother I never had. I will always remember the great times at the track we had growing up. I am honored that my children new you, and I am honored to call you my friend. Love you brother, RIP. James Baker
Tima Arriola
May 2, 2013
Cheryl and all the Koller family, I's sorry to hear of your lost. Keith is in a much better place now and pain free.
Christy, Bill, Lexi Russell
May 2, 2013
Krystal, Koller family & Cheryl and son, so sorry for the loss of Keith. Keith is now riding high in the clouds having the best bike ride ever. Hugs & prayers.
May 2, 2013
Kay Spencer
Mary Loghry
May 2, 2013
Dear Cheryl, Family and Friends of Keith, Keith is now on the journey of watching us and keeping us safe. His twinkly eyes and infectious smile are not forgotten. RIDE- KEITH--RIDE!!!
Maribel Lopez
May 2, 2013
I knew kieth very well. I also know Cheryl and her son Josh. The day after Keith died I met his children.Last year he always come to my house to hangout with my dad.He,Cheryl,and Josh also came over for Christmas Eve.
We all loved you, R.I.P. Keith.
Blake Stallworth
May 2, 2013
While we pile up many things that are important to us, very little of it is really precious. In fact, over time I have learned that the most precious things in life are not material items at all. Rather, it's the people who have loved me and built into my life who are precious. When I find my heart saying, “I don't know what I'd do without them,” I know that they are indeed precious to me.
Keith was that person.He would have been very happy with the turn out of his celebration yesterday.We will miss you
May 1, 2013
I grew up in the same neighborhood as well. He was a corner stone of biking in Yuma.One of a kind. What more can be said of Keith. May the LORD give the Koller Family the GRACE to carry on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Yuma will miss you Keith.
The Magana Family
Marc Ellis
May 1, 2013
One of the few serious cyclists in Yuma in the early 1970's that I got to know while riding and working at Lee's Cycle, Schwinn... Now the Honda shop... The last time I said hello was on the top of Telegraph Pass, me walking as he rode up THREE times in the same time frame... RIP Keith
May 1, 2013
To all of Keith's loved ones,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and most supportive thoughts. Keith was such a friend and inspiration to so many that shared his joy of cycling. He will always be remembered.
We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Gayle and Bobby Lee (Krissy's old teacher from Rolle)
Rachel Federico
May 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy "Robinson" Lowe
May 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of Keiths passing. My family lived around the corner from us when we lived on Mary Ave. Keith was unique person when growing up. He was funny an very friendly to all. As young girls, we all thought he was the cutest guy. And from the picture, he hadn't changed much. My thoughts & preyers go out to all his family. Ride on, ride on.
Mike Ruiz
May 1, 2013
So sad to hear about Keith. I used to race BMX with Keith back in the '80's. Keith was always the one to beat...but I never did! He was an awesome dude. Prayers to the family.
Dave VonTesmar
May 1, 2013
Keith was the center of the Yuma cycling community. My cycling life was enriched by having the opportunity to ride with and against him. Always ready to help with the mechanical part of fine tuning a race bike and no one built a better race wheel (sorry Shorty). Sad that he's gone but the memories make me smile. Thanks Keith
Steve Taylor
April 30, 2013
I grew up down the street and around the corner between Mary Esgar and Terry Fairage and yes I enjoyed going to Keith's house to ride our bike's in the pool he will be missed
Robin
April 30, 2013
Condolonces to the Koller Family and to Cheryl. Kieth was one of those people, who everyone seemed to know about, either through a friend who had a great story to tell about him, or was a familiar face at church. I'll never forget seeing Kieth at St. Francis, 11am mass. He seemed to always sit so close up front, as if he couldn't get close to Jesus enough. His eyes, his heart, his focus, all on the Christ Jesus crucified or the Most Sacred Host. He was an example to us all in that respect. My prayers to all, especially to Cheryl for taking care of Kieth and loving him...that was so easy to see, their mutual love and adoration. God bless and I pray for peace during these difficult times to his family and many, many dear friends. God Bless
Kerby Wofford
April 30, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Kerby and Barbara Wofford
Markus Zimmer
April 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Keith's family, friends and loved ones during this time of loss.....
Freddie Mendoza
April 30, 2013
We will all miss our good friend Keith. He truly was never alone for he had many friends and acquaintances. If you like to ride then your path one time or other has crossed paths with his. He was always looking for riders that he could train with. Riders that were adventurous and riders that loved to do what he did.
Keith made sure that your best and endurance was tested on a daily and weekly basis. He would plan riding trips out of town and would ride in areas not necessarily known. When mountain biking first came out Keith was there to test the new field.
Those were the times when hiking trails were own by hikers and would look with amazement when a mountain bike would encounter them on a remote trail. Keith was not shy and you could feel his strength and power when he passed by. You could hear an occasional war cry and charge to help prepare those on foot for an amazing site.
When you rode with Keith your sense of direction had to be keen in order to return to camp in case you were separated. As we all know that Keith rode in only one speed and that was fast. Keith lived like he rode his bike, without a care and without fear.
Thank you Keith for your friendship and making each of us feel special. You made us feel like a best friend, never judging and never alone. You saw our strengths and made us own up to them. Thank you for the memories and making us part of your family.
We are better people for having known you. God Bless You and rest in peace, we know your bike has wings and is taking you to new trails. We know that you are testing the new field.
Ron VW
April 30, 2013
Keith, thank you for the times we shared and for being a friend!!!!. May you rest in peace my brother..Until we meet again, God Bless!!
April 30, 2013
as a frind and a brother to me and my family for over half my life through thick and thin Keith and me seem to make bad times into good times . this will be a hard time in my life to get through , Brother I no your looking down on us and no we will never forget you and one day will see you again. may god bless you and your family . Love you Bro. Big Wave Dave (Slipping sam)David Lucero. PS. see you on the other side.
April 30, 2013
Thank you Koller family for sharing Keith with all of us!...I have fond memories of growing up down the street with Keith...Rest in Peace and God Bless! Fornof Family
Colleen Langewisch
April 30, 2013
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Karen, Keith & Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary & Taj Maxedon
April 30, 2013
In our darkest hour, our body & soul can become paralized. But know this: Death is not your master, nor mine. In this new world in which Petey now travels, know that our love will reach him and keep him from this day forth.
May God bless You & your family,
Gary & Tajie Maxedon
Sonya Terry
April 30, 2013
Keith, you are special and will always be in my heart and many others. You have touched many people with your positive energy, comic talent and kindness. Jake says he wants a "Rest in Paradise Keith Koller" sticker:) He said he has always envied your positivity. You have been an example for many, young and old and will be deeply missed. I thank you for your friendship and inspiration. Your spirit will always live on!
Ben and Margo Fasavalu
April 30, 2013
Dear Koller family and Cheryl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories fill your hearts with love and peace. Rest in Peace Keith.
April 30, 2013
Thanks for making me laugh, and as an old guy on a bike, although I could never approach your skill or speed, for inspiring me to try harder. You'll be missed.
Ron Christ
April 30, 2013
Back when you were 26 and half my age, we used to ride the Laguna Mountains together. You're free to ride any mountains you'd like now. Enjoy them, my young friend. Someday, when I join you; I'll be able to keep up.
Dawn Graves
April 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Keiths family and loved ones during this time of loss.....
Lenore Anaya
April 30, 2013
The cycling community has truly lost one of a kind. Keith was not only an avid cyclist, he was a TRUE FRIEND to so many of us. The stories he would share.And his LAUGHTER could be heard throughout the store. After 31 years of riding the same SCHWINN. Keith finally REFUSED to fix it for the last time. Not only did Keith talk me into buying my new RED SCHWINN I ended up buying 2 bikes. He always had a way to convince you that you need the best. My memories go way back. He was a high school friend. Then the memories from Jerry's Schwinn shop, Bordertown and Johnny's bikes.
I will dust off my bike and take a ride for Keith. I will enjoy some fresh air and his passion for riding. Keith would want all of us to take a ride and enjoy life. When you see a falling star. I guarantee Keith is right there racing to WIN.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kevin Donnellan
April 30, 2013
I raced againt Keith many times. He was a fierce but gracious competitor always pushing me to my limits. Thanks Keith!
Mary Esgar/Dunny
April 30, 2013
when we were 12 and 13 all the neighborhood kids would gather and watch Keith and all his buddies ride their BMX bikes in empty swimming pools and watch them doing crazy jumps...i always watched Keith the most cause he was the best :) i am thankful he carried his passion of bikes into his adult life - not many people get to do that..i never new him as an adult but i can tell he was a great guy...rest in peace Keith
April 30, 2013
as a young teen all the neighborhood kids would gather and go and watch keith and all his buddies ride their little BMX bikes in empty swimming pools and watch them do all kinds of crazy jumps..he was great - i always watched him the most...i am thankful that he carried on his pasion for riding into his adult hood..rest in peace Keith
April 30, 2013
Ketty, you and your family have held a special place in our hearts as long as we've known you, your father was my mentor and you were my solice in machinery...may heaven let you ride the trails with tail-winds and radical down-hills to your heart's content ...
Dale & Susan Marler
Blake Stallworth
April 30, 2013
Keith,As A child I idolized you,As a teen I followed you,and as a father and an adult I lived vicariously through your strength and ability to overcome any challenges and obstacles that presented themselves to you.Even in death you continue to be one of my heros.As I once looked up to you so, too, do my boys.I have cherished many a time with you and will continue to do so untill we meet again.Bamis Iamis,Que pada rada May you ride above all of us as an angel of God forever.Love you brother
Kathleen Dreier
April 30, 2013
While we never met in person, up to a couple years ago, I had many Facebook chats with Petey through the connection of me photographing the cycling community. I could tell he was a very special person...full of humor and wit and that he was highly regarded by all of his friends in the cycling world. I send peace and comfort to his family and friends.
April 30, 2013
Keith,As A child I idolized you,As a teen I followed you,and as a father and an adult I lived vicariously through your strength and ability to overcome any challenges and obstacles that presented themselves to you.Even in death you continue to be one of my heros.As I once looked up to you so, too, do my boys.I have cherished many a time with you and will continue to do so untill we meet again.Bamis Iamis,Que pada rada May you ride above all of us as an angel of God forever.Love you brother
April 30, 2013
We're so very sorry for Keith's loss. He was such a presence and he'll be missed!
Buddy & Pam Teal
Claudia Owens
April 30, 2013
Keith was an inspiration and mentor to many of the youth with Yuma Bike Club. You will live on in their memories and pedal strokes. Hammer on!
"Oskies"
Brian Stone
April 30, 2013
Riding your way to heaven... U will be missed! Prayers to your family.....
Hedgemont, hedgemont jr.
April 30, 2013
I am so sorry to read about Keith. I did not know him well but my husband Tom worked with his dad and Tom always talked about how good Keith was on the mountain bike. Tom also thought the world of Keith Sr, he will watch out for your son and maybe Keith will teach Tom how to ride the mountain bike through the clouds. Prayers are with you and you have my deepest sympathy. Sally Doyle
Jody Huebner
April 30, 2013
Heaven has a new angel. Prayers to the family.
Oscar Fazz
April 30, 2013
God Bless you Keith and blessings to your family in this time healing! I have wonderful memories of riding Telegraph, training in Laguna Mtns..... with you bro, you will be missed! Oscar
kyle yancey
April 30, 2013
You will be missed brother....the good times and laughs we shared are something I will never forget...keep those pedals turning and see you on the other side...
April 29, 2013
Keith and Karen so sorry for your loss. God speed Keith Jr.
Jeanne Marshall
April 29, 2013
Our family is sadden by the lost of our dear friend Keith he'd take our son mike to bmx races if we couldn't it was like having another son. Blessings to his family and extended family. He will be missed by the biking community and all those that loved him.
Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results
Make a Donation
in Keith Koller's name
Memorial Events
for Keith Koller
How to support Keith's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Keith Koller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
