Katherine Keller

Surrounded by her loving family, Kathy Keller peacefully departed her earthly home to be in Heaven on 17 February 2023 due to the ravages of cancer. Kathy was born 9 October 1959 to Francis J. Ridder and Anne L. (Kleiman) Ridder at Vandenberg AFB, CA. She was the middle child of seven brothers and sisters (Barbara, Eddie, Kenny, Kathy, Debbie, Joe, and Raymond). At an early age, the family moved from California to Wichita, Kansas where her father "Bus" was born. The family moved back to San Bernardino when Kathy was a teenager where she graduated High School. She worked as a civilian at Norton AFB then started a job with TRW Space and Defense also on base in August 1982. It was there she met her lifelong friend and partner USAF Captain Greg Keller. After several years of dating, they were married in the Norton AFB Chapel on 19 April 1986.
Shortly after their marriage, Greg was transferred to HQ Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. Kathy also transferred to another TRW office in nearby Bellevue. On 6 January 1987, they we blessed with their first child - Gregory Allen Keller, Jr. Greg later resigned his officer commission due to family considerations and accepted a job with TRW in El Segundo, California. The new family moved back to California and settled in Riverside. Greg commuted to El Segunda and Kathy once again returned to TRW at Norton AFB. Several years later, they were blessed with their second child - Kristina Noelle Keller on 19 December 1989. Life was good for the Keller family for several years. Unfortunately, when Gregory was four years old he was diagnosed with a rare genetic defect that was uncurable and progressively degenerative.
When an opportunity to move to Utah presented itself, they moved to Ogden, Utah. Greg continued to work for TRW at Hill AFB, and Kathy decided to stay home with the kids. Gregory's health became more compromised, and at age 13 he passed away on 25 March 2000 from the effects of Hunters Syndrome. Kristina continued to flourish and excel in school and sports. Kathy went to work at St James the Just as the Financial Secretary for several years, where the family are long-time parishioners, before she became an IRS Tax Examiner until she retired on 31 December 2021.
Since her retirement, she has been faced with two surgeries in her mouth and jaw to combat oral cancer. This past summer, she underwent 6 1/2 weeks of radiation to be sure the cancer was cured. Last fall, she was informed that cancer was now in her bones and organs. She then started chemotherapy and bone infusion treatments late last year. After three months of treatments, she was informed the treatments had not worked to slow the spread of cancer just over a week ago. The cancer had indeed progressed rapidly and was now in organs it was not previously detected. Kathy, Kristina, and Greg had an appointment last week to look at the options going forward. There was nothing that could be done. Kathy was placed on hospice care mid last week, and unfortunately she declined rapidly until she passed away late last Friday night.
Kathy was a most precious wife, a dedicated and protective mother, a great friend to all her friends, an excellent cook, and a delight to be around in any situation. For the past year, she kept her Faith, never complained, and took every challenge head on with hope for the future.
Kathy was preceded in death by her son Gregory, parents Bus and Anne, sister Barbara, and brothers Kenny and Joe.
A huge shout out to the Utah Knights of Columbus for their never ending support to Kathy and Greg during all the trials and tribulations they experienced. Also, special thanks to Intermountain Homecare for providing hospice care when it was needed most.
Irish Blessing to all who knew Kathy: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
A Funeral Mass for Kathy will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James the Just Catholic Church, 495 N. Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT. A viewing will be held the night before, Friday, February 24, 2023 at 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT. Vigil service will follow at 7:00 p.m.
Interment will be at the Ben Lomond Cemetery.