Patricia Keller, 90, of Alpena, gained her wings and departed this life on Sunday, October 10, 2021, peacefully at her home with her family by her side. She was granted one more birthday celebration this past September with her family, something we will all cherish. Patricia Ann Francis was born on September 27, 1931, in Alpena to the late James and Maureen (Emerson) Francis. On September 26, 1953, she married Raymond Keller. He preceded her in death on February 3, 2007.

Pat was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma and Great Grandma.  Always known for cookies, candy, and chips, for all that entered her house.  Pat had a revolving door at her house, and everyone was welcome.  If you ever needed some words of wisdom or a shoulder to lean on Pat was the one. You could always count on her for anything, and we always knew she would be in her favorite spot at the kitchen table.  Raising 8 kids she also was the school of hard knocks and yes, we were told many times how she had to walk for miles in a blizzard to get to school, so suck it up. With that said she was, a pussy cat at heart (or lion) and yet she sugar coated nothing. She would always say Do what’s right and be honest. Be kind and help others. The world can always use one more kind person. She was a Faithful person to God and a devoted Catholic. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Patricia was a hard worker, giving her passion to others as a nurse’s aide at Provincial House for 25 years and later she became a familiar face as greeter at Walmart.  She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and Alpena VFW 2496 Auxiliary. Mom was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman. We will miss her every day.

Surviving are her six children, Jean (Alan) Roy, Jane Marr, Karol (David) Grabiel, William (Vicki ) Keller, Craig (Tammy) Keller, Lisa Keller; son-in-law, Willis ‘Sonny’ Evans; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ann Francis, Lynn Francis, Beth Keller; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Keller was preceded in death by her son, James Keller; daughter, Maureen Evans; granddaughter, Stacey Roy; siblings, Marlene Robertson, James Francis, and Michael ‘Mick’ Francis.

Visitation will take place Thursday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. and continue Friday at St. Bernard Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Fitzpatrick officiating. 

Interment:  Holy Cross Cemetery 

Memorials:  Hospice of Michigan, Alpena Boys and Girls Club, or the Friendship Room.