Madras resident, Betty “Joyce” Keller, 90, died Oct. 15, 2022. Joyce was born Feb. 20, 1932, in Mexico, Mo., to Willard and Virgie (Alderson) Lehnen. She attended school in Wellsville, Mo.
On Nov. 8 1949, she married Roy E. Keller, in Middletown, Mo. In 1953, they moved to Madras, where they lived until 1962, when they returned to Missouri for three years, living in Laddonia.
In 1965, the Kellers moved to Kinzua, Ore., then in 1969, settled in Madras again, where they stayed.
Joyce was a homemaker and wonderful seamstress. She loved to cook and can the produce from their garden. She started working outside the home when her last daughter graduated from high school. She worked for Seaswirl Boat Factory and Shielding. Both jobs involved sewing and she enjoyed meeting new people at work who became her friends.
Her church family was very important to her. She spent many years helping at the church and singing in the choir. In her later years, she enjoyed going to the Senior Center, where she volunteered, made new friends and rekindled old friendships. Her happiest moments were being surrounded by family and friends.
Joyce spent her final 4 ½ years at Chinook Place in Madras. Staff and residents became her friends and family. She loved them all.
Survivors include daughters, Linda Kandle of Metolius, Carolin Keller of Princeville, and Brenda (Steve) Davis of Madras; sister, Judy Blaue of Wellsville, Mo.; grandchildren, Michelle Travis, Jodie, Kim, Heidi, Jesse and Kacie; 10 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren.
Her husband of 60 years, Roy Keller; her parents; brother, Willard Lehnen Jr.; sister, Ruth Ann Lehnen; and great-grandson, Austin Ferris, all died earlier.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 85 NE A Street, Madras, officiated by Pastor Don Courtney.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Ct., Bend, OR 97701.