Martha Kay Keller

Martha Kay Keller, 80, of Overland Park, Kansas formerly of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022. She was born on February 16, 1941, in Ransom Memorial Hospital, Ottawa, Kansas, to John and Letha Keller. She was a lifelong resident of Franklin County until she moved to an Alzheimer’s facility in Overland Park, Kansas, in November, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Private family inurnment will be held later at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. In the section of “The Ottawa Herald” featuring graduates of Ottawa High School’s class of 1959, she listed the position that she desired. “I will be employed by the First National Bank of Ottawa after graduation.” She remained an employee of that bank for the next 39 years. Many of you may remember her from 1975 through 1995 when she was the afternoon motor bank teller. She always had a smile on her face. Martha was a woman who loved helping people. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Franklin County Cancer Foundation, and for many years delivered Meals on Wheels and worked in the hospital’s gift shop. Her nephews have fond memories of her. When they were little, she would have them stay with her for a weekend. During that time, they were spoiled. One of their fondest memories is when she took them out in the country and let them drive the car. The youngest could hardly see over the dashboard. Once she took them to a friend’s country home and let them sleep that night on the farmer’s dam…not sure they stayed there too long after dark. She loved music, theater, the outdoors and her beloved dogs – Pooch and Zippy. She leaves her sister, Elizabeth Harder, Raytown, MO; her chosen sister, Gwen Todd, Ottawa, KS; three nephews, Brad Harder (husband, Scott Woodell), Raytown, MO; Scott Harder, Belton, MO; and Kevin Harder (wife, Kristin), Olathe, KS; a great-niece, Courtney Janes (husband, Aaron), Shawnee, KS; a great-nephew, Brandon Harder (wife, Kayla); and 8 great-great nieces and nephews, Ella, Olivia, Vivian, Kipton, Adalyn, Kolton, Addisyn and Maverick. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.