Marjorie Naomi (Bell) Keller, 94 years of age, passed on the 27th day of April, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family in her home in Excelsior Springs, MO, where she had lived since 1960.
Margie was born October 27, 1928, in Summerhill, Pike County, IL, to Homer and Grace Marie Bell. Margie met Harold Keller while in grade school and they dated in high school. They were married on August 24, 1949, in Pittsfield, IL, where they began their life together. They moved to Merriam, KS, in 1955 when Harold relocated for work. In 1960 the family moved to a small farm in Clay County, MO, where Margie and Harold lived out their years.
Margie was a busy, fun-loving, stay-at-home mom to Vicki, Brenda and Chuck in the early years while Harold and his father, Walter, had a trucking operation. When Harold began his 35-year career as an over-the-road truck driver, Margie cared for the family with the support of her father-in-law, who resided with the family until his death in 1969.
While the Keller home was always full of love, laughter and Margie’s great cooking, it was especially joyful when Harold was home. Harold and Margie were devoted to one another and their family, and they opened up their home to friends and family often and their hearts to those in need.
After Harold’s passing in 2008, Margie continued to have family and friends for coffee, games, great meals, and innumerable hours of laughter. Her home was also a haven for the friends of her children during their teenage years. Margie’s birthday was often celebrated around a bonfire with family and friends. Her distinctive laugh will be missed by family and friends.
While Margie loved having a full house, she was content reading and watching movies. She relished her independence and enjoyed cutting her large yard on her riding mower up until the past year.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her half brother, Kenneth (Gladys) Bell; and her half-brother, Chris Bell.
Margie is survived by her three children, Vicki Clark, Holt, MO, Brenda Keller (Bill Johnson), Pretty Prairie, KS, and Charles (Chris) Keller, Kansas City, MO; her six grandchildren, Scott (Tara) Clark, Reggie Clark, Brad (Andrea) Gooch, Jessica (Shawn) Mooney, Matthew Keller, and Andrea Keller (Karl Nichols); her ten great-grandchildren, Grace and Madeleine Clark, Hali and Dylan Shields, Max Mooney, Hudson and Lily Gooch, Valkyrie, Fae and Karl Emmett Nichols; and one great-great-grandchild, Waylon Rollins.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home with graveside immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, MO.
Our Sincere Condolences
We are so sorry for the families passing of Marjorie. Larry has been sharing some great memories of her and his mother Dorothy Sapp. Sending prayers and love to everyone.
Larry, Lucia, Tom and the Sapp Family
JD, Stephanie, Gia
We were so saddened to hear about your mother passing, she was such a special lady, always made me feel like family!! She was certainly young at heart, her family was the most important thing in her life. I can remember the time that she, Vickie and I went out to eat and as a special treat, saw not one, but TWO movies at the theater in Liberty. We had the best time and it’s one of my favorite memories of her! She was always so welcoming any time I was at her home, she had a great sense of humor, and I can still hear her very distinctive laugh! My love, thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Gary and Dianna Battagler
I met Margie back in the late 60’s while I tried to hang out with her daughter, Vickie. Over the years I would see her and she was always upbeat, social and very sweet. She was a great asset to our little town and will leave many sad hearts who thought she was just the best.
Ron Davenport
Loved Margie, she was a wonderful lady. There was a group of us that used to call her Ma Keller even though we were not related. She is still one of my favorite people!! A couple of us went to visit her last fall. We hadn’t seen her in years and it was just like we never left. I’m so glad we got to see her. Vickie, Brenda, Chuck, I am sooo sorry for your loss. She will be missed by all.
Mike Einerson
I fondly remember my high school days spending a lot of time at her home with many great friends. She will be greatly missed my love and sympathy goes to the family and friends. I’m now 70 and can remember the great times we had. My love to akk
Ken Matney
