Alma Jean Keller

Alma Jean Keller, 97, of Denver, Colorado, and a former Russell, Kansas, resident, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Woodland Estates Assisted Living in Denver.

She was born on January 22, 1927, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Koehler) Rostocil. She grew up on the family farm near Stockton, Kansas, and graduated from Stockton High School. After high school, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State University.

She was united in marriage to Paul Keller on December 30, 1954, in Russell, Kansas. She worked as a Home Economics teacher and Para for 47 years in Russell with the USD 407 School District. From this union, Jean and Paul were blessed with a daughter, Dea Ann.

She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Russell County Fair Board, Round Robin, and the Russell Garden Club. She was a very proud supporter and campaign worker for Bob Dole. She enjoyed making quilts, gardening, playing bridge, reading, and researching family history. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul; and sister Edith Bouchey.

Surviving family includes her daughter Dea Ann Roark and husband Clay of Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren Brooke Woodward (Brett), Anna Madsen (David) and Andrew Friesen; and six great-grandchildren Mindzie, Scarlett, Raef, Sydney, Sienna and Alexzy.

Cremation has been selected by Jean. A Graveside Memorial Service for Jean's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral services.