Katherine Marie Keller

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Katherine Marie Keller

October 9, 1959 ~ February 17, 2023

Surrounded by her loving family, Kathy Keller, 63, peacefully departed her earthly home due to the ravages of cancer to be in heaven on February 17, 2023. Kathy was born October 9, 1959 to Francis J. Ridder and Anne L. (Kleiman) Ridder at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. She was the middle child of seven brothers and sisters (Barbara, Eddie, Kenny, Kathy, Debbie, Joe and Raymond). At an early age, the family moved from California to Wichita, Kansas. The family later moved back to San Bernardino, where Kathy graduated high school. She worked as a civilian at Norton AFB then started a job with TRW Space and Defense in August 1982. She married USAF Captain Greg Keller on April 19, 1986.

Greg began working in HQ Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska and Kathy worked in nearby Bellevue. In 1987, they were blessed with their first child, Gregory Allen Keller, Jr.  Greg later accepted a job with TRW in El Segundo, California and the family settled in Riverside. Several years later, they were blessed with their second child, Kristina Noelle Keller.  

They later moved to Ogden, Utah, where Greg worked at Hill AFB, and Kathy decided to stay home with the kids.  Gregory’s health became compromised, and at age 13 he passed away on March 25, 2000.  Kathy went to work at St. James the Just, where the family are long-time parishioners, as the financial secretary for several years before she became an IRS tax examiner until she retired.

Since last fall Kathy struggled with cancer, and she passed away shortly after being placed on hospice care. Kathy was a most precious wife, dedicated and protective mother, a great friend to all her friends, an excellent cook, and a delight to be around in any situation. For the past year, she kept her faith, never complained, and took every challenge head on with hope for the future.

Kathy was preceded in death by her son Gregory, parents Bus and Anne, sister Barbara, and brothers Kenny and Joe.

A huge shout out to the Utah Knights of Columbus for their never-ending support to Kathy and Greg. Also, special thanks to Intermountain Homecare for providing hospice care when it was needed most.

A funeral Mass was celebrated February 25, 2023 at St. James the Just Catholic Church, Ogden. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery.