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Neva Keller
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Neva Belle Keller, 93, died Wednesday, May 4 in Modesto.

She was born in Rocky Comfort, Missouri to parents James and Pearl Jones, one of 11 brothers and sisters. She attended grammar and high school in Rocky Comfort. She came to California after she graduated from high school in 1934.

She met Orville Howard Keller and they married on November 23, 1934; they were married for 49 years. She and her husband lived in Sunnyvale and then in San Jose where they started their family and had three children. They moved to Riverbank in 1945 where they lived on a small dairy for 65 years.

Mrs. Keller worked in the cannery for many years. She started cosmetology school at Adrian's Beauty College in 1960. She owned her own shop at home for 45 years.

She was active in the Retired Teamsters Union. She also worked the polls for the elections for many years. She was a longtime member of the Escalon Grange and was their treasurer for 15 years. She was also active in the P.T.A. in Riverbank. She and her husband enjoyed square dancing; they were longtime members of the Stanislaus Stumblers and Square Nadders.

At home, she loved to work in her garden with her flowers, and especially roses. She was an avid quilter and made many quilts for her sons and grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Lee (Carolyn), Howard (Luetricia), all of Escalon; brother, Donald (Pauline) Jones of Joplin, MO; nine grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Orville; infant daughter, Peggy; nine siblings; one granddaughter; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held May 9 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sylvan Chapel, Modesto.

Eaton Family Funeral and Cremation Service, Modesto, in charge of arrangements.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

May 11, 2011