Patricia Ann Becker Keller

Patricia Ann (Becker) Keller, 86 years old, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on April 18, 2021. Patricia (Patty) was born on July 11, 1934 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was the first child of Charlie and Mary Becker. She was a beautiful, young girl who loved playing with friends in her neighborhood and going on adventures to the big city of St. Louis with her Aunt Dodie. Patty was a member of the choir, a softball catcher and a majorette at St. Mary’s high school. Unfortunately, her family lost several baby girls and then her father when Patty was only 12 years old. Her Aunt Dodie moved in to help her mother raise Patty and her younger sister, Frances. Patty and her younger sister, Frances, have shared many laughs, trials, celebrations and tears over the years. Patty met her future husband, Art, on a visit to the Keller family farm in Cape Girardeau. She was embraced by this large, rambunctious family. Art and Pat loved dancing to Big Band music during their courtship. Patty married her lifetime dance partner, Art Keller, on July 1, 1951. While Art worked outside the home, Patty, stayed busy on the home front with their four children—Jane, Bryan, June and Jean— and various part time jobs over the course of their marriage. She even managed to sew her family clothes and Barbie doll clothes with four children underfoot. She took a number of college business courses to help her with the opening and management of a new restaurant in Pekin Hospital. Patty also worked for a number of years in Bella Vista, Arkansas with a rental property management company. As a couple, Art and Patty, were involved in church activities including hosting popular group barbecues at their home. They lived in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas. They travelled frequently to visit their kids and grandkids, but also managed to explore the United States and many locales abroad including Germany, England, France, Austria, Puerto Rico, Panama, Italy and Mexico. Patty’s hobbies included gardening, sewing, cards, golfing, cooking, volunteer work, crotchet and floral arrangement. She was very sociable and always fashionably attired. She loved her family and friends dearly, and her smile and laughter always brightened up a room. Patty loved to host friends and family for social gatherings. Patty was full of love, laughter, kindness, spunk and faithfulness to her friends and family. She was tremendously loved and cared for by her family. Patty is survived by her daughter, Jane Keller (husband, Davis Miller) in Southport, CT; son, Bryan Keller (wife, Charlsie) in Houston, Texas; daughter June Renaud (husband, Bob) in Nashville, Tennessee; and daughter Jean Lively (husband, Fred) in Battlement Mesa, Colorado. She is survived by eight grandchildren (Damon, Morgan, Nathen, Erika, Emily, Alison, Jason and Charlie) and seven great grandchildren (Sylas, Conner, Cole, Maggie, Logan, Samantha and Madelyn). She is also survived by her sister, Frances Matlock and brother-in-law Leland Matlock who live in Arkansas. Patty is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Art Keller; her infant son, Alan; her parents, Charlie and Mary Becker; and her sisters Mary Ann, Judith and Jane. A graveside memorial service will be held at Cape County Memorial Cemetery on June 5, 2021.

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Patricia Ann Becker Keller

July 11, 1934 - April 18, 2021