Obituary of Rebecca L. Keller

Rebecca L. Keller, 74, of Fairmont, WV passed away April 17, 2024 after a battle with brain cancer. The proverbial middle child, Becky exuded and lived her own characteristic mix of rebelliousness and nonconformity via candid takes and a dash of orneriness. Words like precocious and strong-willed come to mind, as do many others. Most of all, she was a loyal and devoted friend, daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of all five titles, and took each quite seriously. The loss of her husband, Lester E. “Bud” Keller, Jr., in February was significant, and the fact this was written on his April 24th birthday seems apropos. Born to Gerald and Gladys Metz on March 15, 1950, Becky was raised in Fairmont and graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1968. She attended Fairmont State for two years, and was later employed at Sears after she began dating Bud. The two were setup on a blind date, and would spend 50 years together, reaching that milestone on Aug. 25 of last year. Their marriage was among the centerpieces of their lives, and Bud got one final, posthumous gesture in when his previously-scheduled dozen yellow roses arrived on Valentine’s Day. Becky was known best in the Watson area for her indelible walking, typically with a golden retriever at her side. Her friendship formed with Lois Retton, filled frankly with humor and a touch of gossip, was a near daily source of enjoyment. To all of her dear friends, Beth, Maureen, Karen, Diane and Diana, and many more too numerous to list, she loved and appreciated you all. You brought a genuine sense of fellowship, kindness and the occasional shenanigans. To those wondering what happens with Maggie, which Becky said was the last in her line of goldens, she remains in the family and will continue to be treated like royalty. Becky is survived by a son, Matt Keller, of Morgantown, and grandson Kase. One would be hard pressed to find anything she valued more, and that love was reflected many times over. Due to Bud’s shift work as a control room foreman at Rivesville Power Station, it was Becky who was often seen with Matt playing wiffleball, basketball or any sporting backyard activity. She was present at nearly all events, school plays, scouting jamborees and Little League games. Her status as devoted mother was unquestionable, but she truly hit stride when Kase was born. The cliché holds: The love for a grandchild can seem a different level. It’s an unbreakable bond, and it will continue. She is also survived by an older sister, Nancy (Metz) Moore, and husband, Mac, of Greensboro, NC, and their children, Elizabeth Moore of Greenville, NC and McLean and Karan Moore of Greensboro, and by a younger sister, Patricia Metz, of Arlington, Va. Becky wished to deeply thank the congregation of Gateway United Methodist church for their prayers and compassion. A lifetime member, from its days as Diamond Street and Diamond Temple, Becky has had to fly the Fairmont Senior flag in enemy territory. That East dominated the football series during her high school years never sat particularly well, especially considering her father, Gerald, attended East Fairmont and would drop the fact in pure, untimely amusement. Gateway – you guys are the best, and essentially a second family to Becky. To the Mary Priscilla group, all we can say, again, is thank you. The same to the many friends who have shown support. The gratitude is immeasurable. A very special thank you to Meredyth Russell-Wilson for her friendship, love, and caring for both Becky and Bud. She was the closest thing to a daughter either ever had, and indeed they considered her such. The front porch always has a seat, and the iced tea a glass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gateway UMC, 301 Diamond St., Fairmont, WV. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received in the funeral home on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10a.m. until 12 noon. The memorial service will be held on Saturday at 12 noon in the funeral home with Pastor Bill Toothman officiating. Following the memorial service, all are welcome for a luncheon in Asbury Hall in the Gateway United Methodist Church, 301 Diamond, Street Fairmont, WV 26554. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.