Irene Barbara Keller, 91, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
Irene was born April 11, 1932, in Rugby, N.D., to Sebastian and Lena Heilman. She grew up on the family farm in Silva, N.D., and was the fourth child of eight. After graduating in 1950, she and her sister Mary Ann moved to Devils Lake, N.D., to work at a telephone company. After two years, she moved back to Rugby and at a dance one evening, she met the love of her life Edward Keller. They were married on Oct. 13, 1953. She and Ed moved to Clarkston in 1954 where they would raise their five children. Ed and Irene had 31 wonderful years together, until Ed’s unfortunate passing in 1986 at age 53.
Faithful to their Catholic religion, Mom and Dad were actively involved in all church functions and in the early years were often seen on Sunday morning walking their sharply dressed family to Holy Family Church. All five children attended Holy Family Catholic School. Mom stayed at home to raise her children until her youngest son Brian was in the sixth grade, at which time she went to work for the Clarkston School District in the kitchen serving lunches. She would later work at Lamont’s in Lewiston and Wasem’s Drug in Clarkston. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed her time in the kitchen as well as sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, traveling, dancing and a good cup of coffee. Always a stylish dresser, having her hair done was a must. But her favorite time was celebrating holidays and birthdays with her family.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ed Keller, son Mark Keller and six of her siblings. She is survived by her son Lee Keller, daughter Jody Jenks (Kendell), daughter Paula Hasfurther (Mike) and son Brian Keller (Susan), along with 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sister Mary Ann Haman of Carrington, N.D., sister-in-law Sharon Keller of Seattle, brother-in-law/sister-in-law John and Ann Keller of Snohomish, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Irene will include a rosary recited at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, and a funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 29, both at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1109 Chestnut St., Clarkston, with burial at Vineland Cemetery, Clarkston. A reception will be held at the church following burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Family Catholic School, 1002 Chestnut St., Clarkston, WA 99403.
The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Evergreen Estates, Life Care Center and her numerous care providers for their support and compassionate care they gave our mom.
