Helen Louise Keller

Helen Louise Keller, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in her residence.  She was 97 years old.She was born November 2, 1919 in Hancock County, Ohio, the only child of Omar & Hazel (Lutz) Kear. She has lived in South Bend since 1961, coming from the east coast.Helen graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1941 with a bachelor's degree in music.  She was a music teacher and organist in our community for many years, retiring in 1987.  She most recently served as accompanist for the choir at St. Paul's Retirement Community.  On June 20, 1944 in Forest, Ohio, as Helen Kear, she was united in marriage to Eugene C. Keller.  They enjoyed 45 years of marriage until his passing on April 17, 1989.

Helen is survived by her children Kay (Ronald) Radecki of South Bend, IN; Larry Keller of Champaign, IL; Lynne (Rick) Keller of North Liberty, IN; along with six grandchildren, Paul (Leonie) Radecki, Matthew (Amy) Radecki, Julene (Paul) Sommers, Hillary (Bernie) Fechter, and Sarah and David Slagle.  She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Sadie & Theodore Radecki, Madeline & Jessica Sommers, and Katherine & Lauren Fechter.

Helen was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, Retired Teachers Association, and Women's Christian Association of Organists.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Chapel of St. Paul's Retirement Community, 3602 So. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Rev. David Schrader, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at Southlawn Cemetery at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 So. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, IN  46614; Pet Refuge, 4626  So. Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614; the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, 702 S. Chapin St., South Bend, IN 46601; or to the donor's choice.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements for the Keller  family is under the care and direction of the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend.

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