Joanne Keller

JoAnne Keller left this world on March 12, 2023, after living a long life of 90 years. She was born November 20, 1932, in Hays, KS, to Ralph Furbeck and Mary (Durgeloh) Furbeck. She was the only child. She was a lifetime resident of Ellis, KS, and graduated in 1950 from Ellis High School. On June 7, 1951, she married LeRoy “Bud” Keller. They divorced, and he preceded her in 2004.

JoAnne was a homemaker, a local Avon Representative, and a clerk at the Ellis Midwest Energy office. She enjoyed spending time volunteering her service in the Ellis community. She was a member of Alpha Rho, ESA sorority. Many hours were spent on the Christmas Star Committee, Arbor Tree Committee, organizing the painting of the Main Street sunflowers, and beautifying Memorial Park. She was a dedicated Ellis City Council Member and Walter P. Chrysler board member. One of her favorite pastimes was attending the May Day Mystery Tours around the United States. She was an avid sports fan with K-State being her favorite.

Survivors include two daughters, Joleen (Ray) Fisher, Hays and Pauleen (Tim) Edmonds, Ellis; a son, Gordon Keller, Ellis; five grandchildren, Jason Edmonds and partner Kodi Garrison, Ellis; Casey (Leigh Ann) Edmonds, R.J. (Aubrey) Fisher, Raleen (Chris) Grandy, all of Hays and Emily Edmonds, San Antonio, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Georgia, Jett and Claire Edmonds, Braelyn and Braxton Grandy and Kasen Fisher all of Hays; and Taylor (Brandon) Schoenthaler, WaKeeney. Great-great grandson is Brock Schoenthaler, WaKeeney.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 14, 6:00-8:00 pm at Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Private graveside services will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial donations can be made payable to the Community Foundation of Ellis, 810 Washington St., Ellis, KS, 67637 for the purchase of a bench and planter to help continue the beautification project in downtown Ellis.

Condolences may be shared on JoAnne’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com