The Richmond News, Dec. 15, 2023

Carole Keller

Carole Kay Keller, 81, of rural Orrick passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Liberty Hospital, surrounded by her husband and children. Born to William J. and Millie Ann (Vance) Irons on April 1, 1942, Carole was a lifelong resident of the Elkhorn area. She attended Richmond High School, graduating in 1959. She was a member of Rock Falls Baptist Church, where she served and attended regularly until a recent decline in her health.

Carole was united in marriage to Daniel Wayne Keller on July 14, 1961. He survives of the home. During their 62 years of marriage, Dan and Carole built a beautiful home and raised two sons, Michael Wayne and Matthew Scott, on their family farm.

Carole’s happiness in life was spending time with her family. Many who knew Carole could recognize the importance and pride she found in her children and grandchildren, as she always introduced them with the biggest smile.

Nothing brought more joy to Carole’s life than hosting the annual Easter picnic in the woods and welcoming her family to the farm on Christmas Day. She was an exceptional model of a hard-working, Jesus-loving lady who went out of her way to make those who stopped by the farm feel welcome. Her other passions in life included reading, baking (no one made a better chocolate pie) and proving she could accomplish nearly any task, even with her short stature. The lessons of kindness, compassion, perseverance and humor were learned well by her family and will live on through future generations.

Additional survivors include two sons, Michael (Linda) Keller of Kearney and Matthew (Haley) Keller of Richmond; five grandchildren, Lauren (Blake) Thomas, Jarod Keller, Corbin Sochocki, Cyrus Keller and Emma (Anthony) Pritzel; and two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Thomas and Callum Sochocki.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Norman Irons and Samuel Irons; and sister, JoAnn Smith.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Rock Falls Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 15, at Rock Falls Baptist Church in Orrick, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Carole with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.