Gay Keller

Gay Lee Keller, age 94, died October 31, 2025, at her home in Mesick, Michigan. She was graciously cared for by her daughters and Hospice of Michigan.

Born November 16, 1930, in West Vindex, Maryland, Gay was the youngest child of Adam Samuel and Lula Belle DeCost. On January 31, 1947, she married Paul Richard Keller of Kitzmiller, Maryland. Together, they raised four children: Paul Jr., Linda, Brenda, and Robert (Bob).

Following a mining disaster in 1948, in which she lost her beloved brother Robert Jackson, her dear father-in-law Clarence Keller, and his two brothers, Herman Keller and Martin Keller, Paul Sr. and Gay moved to Detroit, Michigan, to start a new life. While raising four children, Gay and Paul Sr. opened their home to numerous relatives and friends, leaving the dangers of coal mining for a better life in Michigan.

Soon after they were settled in Michigan, Gay began exploring career opportunities unheard of in Western Maryland. Fascinated with computers, she graduated at the top of her class in early computer programming. Breaking the glass ceiling by being a programmer instead of a keypunch operator, which ultimately led her to a career at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. After 21 years, she retired as the supervisor of the TACOM computer center. Amazingly, Gay used her iPad until the last year or so.

Blessed with an analytical mind, Gay became skilled in construction, electrical installation, and woodworking. While Paul Sr. was deer hunting one year, she knocked out a wall and converted the den into a dining room, complete with custom cabinets she built herself.

Accomplishments aside, Gay will be best remembered as an outstanding mother. She raised her children with unwavering love and support. Gay was forever grateful for her mother-in-law's unconditional acceptance and willingness to teach her to cook.

Gay was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Paul Keller Sr., her parents, Adam (Sam) and Lula (Lou) Belle DeCost, her mother and father-in-law Florence and Clarence Keller, her son and daughter-in-law, Paul Keller Jr. and Carol Keller, as well as brothers Robert Jackson, Richard (Dick) DeCost and sisters Bernadine Jackson and Betty Cramer.

Gay is survived by daughter Linda Lee Keller (Amy Carmien), Brenda Belle Keller, and Robert Jackson Keller (Gail). Surviving grandchildren include Bradley (Amanda) Keller, Brandon (Paula) Keller, Ryan (Tiffany) Keller, Adam Keller, Selena (Michael) Duca, and Steven (Meagan) Keller. In addition, there are 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, and friends.

Interment will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Elk Garden, WV. The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Kitzmiller Chapel is honored to be serving the Keller family.