I. Arlene Keller

I. Arlene Keller, 95, formerly of Robinson, IL, died November 5, 2020, at Elmcroft of Lebanon, TN. She was born June 27, 1925, in Oblong, IL, the daughter of Mayo Dart & Clone (Hudson) Dart, both of whom preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Clell Keller, on September 7, 1946, and they were married for a wonderful 71 years before he preceded her in death on March 4, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Dart and Herb Dart, and by her sister, Lucille Hayden. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Larry W. & Lehua Keller (Lebanon, TN); by her daughter & son-in-law, Denise L. & Jerry Utterback (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren, Kimbra & Stephanie Cunningham, Dustin & Becca Keller, and Josh & Kim Keller; by her step-grandchildren, Joseph & Athena Getsi, Michael Getsi, Jake Sloan, and Travis & Jennifer Utterback; by her great-grandchildren, Reagan & Seth Keeler, Deacan Stephens, Courtney Keller, Abigail Keller, John Thomas Keller, Brittany Pittman, Dustin Keller, Jr., Lane Utterback, Madison Utterback, Roman Getsi, and Theodore Getsil; by her great-great-grandchild, Allison Utterback; by her sisters, Phyllis Bixler (Newton, IL) Rosemary Wolfe (Decatur, AL), and Roberta Robinson (Hollywood, FL); by 2 brothers & a sister-in-law, Kent & Irene Dart (Effingham, IL) and Howard Dart (Kansas City, MO); by her sister-in-law, Hazel Gaddis; as well as several nieces and nephews. Arlene grew up on the family farm north of Oblong and this instilled in her a work ethic which she carried throughout her 95 years. Upon graduating from Oblong High School in 1942, she enrolled in Vincennes Business College before answering her country's call on the home front during World War II. Our own "Rosie the Riveter" did her part by working at the Republic Steel Mill in Chicago. Back home, she settled down with Clell and found work as a legal secretary at the Wesner & Plater Law Firm before becoming a clerk and buyer for Roots. This was a job that Arlene thoroughly enjoyed, as it allowed her to travel extensively. Though she found great satisfaction in her work, her true calling and joy was found in being a wife and mother. She was, by all accounts, Clell's companion and partner in all things, be that square dancing, golfing, card playing, the list goes on. They were also both highly active in the V.F.W., to the point that Arlene once served as a V.F.W. Auxiliary state officer. They worshipped together as well, and were longtime attendees of the First Baptist Church of Coombes, TX. This partnership provided the foundation on which they built their family. Larry and Denise remember their mother as one who cared enough for her children to guide and discipline them into the good, upstanding citizens they are today. In short, it could be said that Arlene Keller was a woman of great integrity. She conducted herself by the same set of high standards that she expected others to hold to, and we who had the privilege to know her recognize that we are better for it. We are grateful for her life; a life that has made an impact that will be felt for generations to come. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. *Please note that social distancing measures will be in place, and that it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building.* Memorial contributions may be made to either the "VFW Post 4549 Military Museum" or to "Shriners Hospitals for Children", with envelopes available at the funeral home. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. However, a live stream of her service will be available to the public starting at 11:00 a.m. on Monday. This can be done on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. She will be laid to rest at the Robinson New Cemetery.