Mary F. Keeler, 50, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Salina Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born October 9, 1967 in Russell, the daughter of Robert John and Ula Faye (Keyes) Olsen.  She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School.  She then achieved a Certificate in Phlebotomy from the Bryant University in Wichita, Kansas.

Mary met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Jay D. Keeler on March 8, 1997 in Russell.  This union was very blessed with a daughter Olivia.  They made their home in Russell.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother.  She was a Title 1 Para Educator for U.S.D. 407 for over 11 years. 
She also worked at Russell Regional Hospital and Woelk’s House of Diamonds.  She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.  She was very active in the Russell County Community Theater.  In her spare time she enjoyed fishing, reading mystery novels, watching black and white movies, but especially spending time with family and friends.

Mary’s surviving family include her husband of 21 years, Jay of the home; daughter Olivia Keeler of the home; sisters, Michelle Harrison (Jeff Wegele) of McCook, Nebraska and Molly Freibus (Drew) of Russell, Kansas; parents, Robert & Ula Olsen of Russell, Kansas; one niece, three nephews and three great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  Burial will follow at the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport, Kansas.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, July 2, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with the KU Cancer Research.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.