Grace Keller Obituary

Grace Lucile Keller

Oct 5, 1924 - Feb 28, 2024

Huron

After a life well lived, Grace Lucile (Karbler) Keller, 99, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at The Meadows at Osborn Park in Huron.

She was born Oct. 5, 1924, in Vickery, the youngest of four children born to Burton and Maude (Kurtz) Karbler. She was a graduate of the 1942 class of Townsend High School where she also participated in 4-H, basketball and cheerleading. Grace faithfully attended her annual all class reunions until age 97.

As a young woman, Grace entered the World War II work force from 1942-1948 making irons for Waverly Tool Company, wiring radios at the Philco plant, and inspecting ball bearings for New Departure. During this time, she met her future husband, Ralph J. Keller, at the Crystal Rock Roller Skating Rink where she skated with the Bloomingville gang. A little over two years later, Ralph and Grace were married May 10, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. From the birth of their first child in 1949 until the graduation of their last child in 1980, Grace dedicated herself to raising six children and managing their home.

Grace's favorite things were researching family genealogy, organizing the annual family garage sale, attending estate sales and auctions, and playing cards. She frequented game night at the condo association's club house to play euchre, joined several pinochle card clubs over the years, and always played pinochle at the Karbler reunions.

Throughout the years, she served her community and parish. She volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, usher for the State Theater, and as a salesperson at Firelands Hospital Gift Shop, retiring from the gift shop at age 90. She was a regular blood donor to American Red Cross, surpassing the 15 gallon mark. As a faithful member of Holy Angels parish, she joined the bereavement team and was surely well-known for her pecan pie donations to funeral receptions. At the time of her passing, she was a current member of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Grace will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her including her son, Dan (Laura) Keller of Huron; daughters, Marla (John) Higgins of Columbus, Kris (Will) Meinert of Berlin Heights, Jane Keller of Cincinnati, Jennifer Keller of Milan, and Beth (Bob) Grace of Sandusky; nine grandchildren, Jane Higgins (Jeff) Marx, Kate Higgins (Mike Toman), Jeff (Nikki) Keller, Brian (Faith) Keller, Kevin Keller (Allison Bowser), Ann O'Rork, Michael (Adria) Meinert, Kristie (Tim) Pedro, and Bobby (Mackenzi) Grace; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; parents, Burton and Maude (Kurtz) Karbler; and sisters, Janet Zickefoose, Mildred Brunner, and Ruth Thiede.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and volunteers at The Meadows at Osborn Park and the Stein Hospice team for all the love and care they gave Grace.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 4, 2024, at Holy Angels Church, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky, with Fr. Krzysztof Kardzis officiating. Grace's burial service will be private.

Those wishing to contribute to Grace's memory may do so to Holy Angels Church.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.