In our hearts forever, Rebecca (Becky) Lena Keller, 89, died March 3 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Memories grow more precious still when loved ones have to part and remain forever blooming in the gardens of our heart. Our mother is more than a memory, she is a living presence.

Rebecca was born July 12, 1922, on the family farm near Mingo, Kansas. She was the oldest of eight children born to David and Sophia (Busch) Keller. She married Leo Andrew Keller on July 14, 1946, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Russell and called Oakley, Kansas, home for many years.

Rebecca loved to celebrate the holidays. She always made special treats for friends and family and enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and hosting parties in her home. Her quick wit kept us smiling. She loved to work in her flower garden and continued to garden even after selling her home and becoming a "traveling grandma." Rebecca loved sharing time with her family and for the past several years lived with her daughters and granddaughters in Colorado and Oklahoma. Her love for life, the Lord and her family was evident.

Rebecca enjoyed listening to all types of music and traveled to nearly all 50 states, Canada and even to Russia in 1992 to trace her family heritage. She worked as a secretary for the Keller brothers at Pioneer Feed Yard in Oakley for almost 30 years and for her brother Leo as a bookkeeper. Her legacy is her love for the Lord, her positive attitude, treating others as she wanted to be treated and loving her family with all her heart. Rebecca was able to "go and do" and enjoyed many wonderful memories with her family. She will be deeply missed.

Rebecca leaves behind her dear family: daughter Karen Lee Byerley and husband Thomas of Edmond, Okla.; daughter Carol Ann Cooper and husband Galen of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four granddaughters Andra Chikova, Dana Wallace, Chelsie Banks and Ashlee Clifton; four great-grandchildren (her dollies) Laralye, Kaylee, Jennings and Gabriella; brother Leo Keller and wife Betty of Oakley; brother Leslie Keller and wife Geraldine of Windsor, Colo.; sister Esther Bedore of Colby; sister-in-law Elsie Keller of Colby.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents David and Sophia Keller, husband Leo Andrew Keller, brothers Benjamin and Daniel Keller, sisters Ruth and Mary Keller, and great-grandson Caelan Matthew Wallace.

In memory of Rebecca's great-grandson and because of her love for children, donations may be made in the name of Caelan Matthew Wallace to the Ronald McDonald House, 1301 N.E. 14th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73117.  A private family graveside service will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.