Helen May Keller

Helen May Keller, age 91, of Rogers, Ark., passed away peacefully on June 29, 2012, in Bentonville, Ark. She was born Nov. 30, 1920, in Raytown, Mo., to Hugh and Rose Gilmore. Helen moved to Denver, Colo., when she was a young girl. After graduating from high school, she went to work for the U.S. Government as a secretary to a colonel. She took great pride in her ability to type 120 words-per-minute on a manual typewriter. During that time, she married Leland W. Keller, who was stationed at Buckley Field in Denver, and together they raised three children. In 1965, Helen and her family relocated to Rogers, Ark., where she planted her roots and was a homemaker. She loved Beaver Lake, the Arkansas Razorbacks and was an avid golfer. She volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital and also for the American Cancer Society. She lived a healthy and comfortable life at her home, alone, until just two days prior to her passing. Helen's daily routine contributed to her longevity. She loved her TV dinners, pineapple chunks and Pringles, and her midnight snack consisted of milk and cookies. She loved reminiscing about her family life and remembered every detail of her 91 years. Helen was a Christian and devoutly enjoyed her Sunday morning radio worship service. At the age of 85, she voluntarily relinquished her driver's license with a perfect driving record. Her 1983 Oldsmobile remains in her garage to this day. She was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her as a strong woman with a passion for doing things her way. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one son-in-law and one grandson. Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl McCullough of Bentonville; her two sons and their wives, Jim and Bea Keller of Rogers, and Robert and Sally Keller of Pueblo, Colo.; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Friday, July 6, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers, with the Rev. Shawn Wallace officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers.