Evelyn Keller

Evelyn Keller passed away after 100 years of life on February 1, 2021, at the Leonardville Nursing Home. Her nurses and nursing home family were at her bedside due to Covid restrictions. Evelyn was born June 13, 1920, to Archie L. Allen and Pearl Bowen Allen. She was a lifelong resident of Manhattan, Kansas with the exception of the few years in the 1940s where she lived and worked near Los Angeles, California. During that time she was married but later divorced. She had one daughter from that marriage. Evelyn and her brother Charles L. Allen were raised by her grandparents John M. Allen and Elizabeth Allen. They later assisted her with caring for her daughter, Mina while she worked. Evelyn then took care of them till their passing. Evelyn attended Manhattan Schools and graduated from Manhattan High School. She enjoyed attending class reunions in past years when she was able and had lifelong friends from school many of which preceded her in death. Evelyn worked 30 years for the Farm Bureau Insurance Company. She initially started in filing and later worked in sales, cashier, and policy service. At the time of her retirement, she worked as the Fiscal fire lines supervisor for Farm Bureau Mutual. She made many friends there. They have been supportive of her until the end of her life. Prior to working at the Farm Bureau in her younger years, she worked in the movie theaters, dress shops, and as a secretary in a doctor's office. Evelyn was married to Richard L. Keller on April 23, 1972, at the First Congregational Church, and she was a long-time member. She and Richard enjoyed participating at the church. Evelyn and Richard enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and sharing many club activities after the Keller Grocery Store closed. They loved to dance and attended many American Legion, and RSVP functions when their health was good. Evelyn held offices in the American Legion Auxiliary to include president and was president of Le Petit Chapeau of its branch organization, The Eight and Forty. She volunteered at the Manhattan Senior Center when her health was better. Evelyn was independent and able to drive until she was 91. She cared for her husband Richard in the home until his death in 2008. She was moved to assisted living at Homestead of Manhattan in 2012. She transferred to Leonardville Nursing Home in 2015, upon requiring more care, and resided there until the time of her death. She was proceeded in death by her husband Richard Keller, in July 2008, her grandparents John and Elizabeth Allen; Parents Pearl Webber and Archie and Regina Allen; brothers James, Edward, and Ray Allen and Sister Betty Wood. She is survived by her daughters Mina Bruce of Carson City, Nevada; Nancy Lightner (Richard) of New Cambria, Kansas, and 5 grandchildren and their families. She is also survived by her sisters Patti Jensen of Manhattan, Darlene Allen of Topeka, and Brother Jon Allen of Leonardville, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following, Leonardville Nursing Home, First Congregational Church UCC Second Helping Program, or any of the Veterans Organizations or Alzheimer support Groups. The Family wishes to thank the staff at Leonardville Nursing Home, all the neighbors, friends, and relatives, and professionals who have supported Evelyn and help us care for her, on this long journey with her extended illness. Inurnment was held at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and Cremation.