October 18, 1916—September 10, 2011
Frances M. Keller was born on October 18, 1916, in Portland, Oregon, and passed away surrounded by the family she loved on September 10, 2011, in Seattle at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her best friend and devoted husband Howard, whom she was married to for 69 years, her parents, N.B. and Rebecca Mesher, and her brothers and sister. She is survived by her adoring children, Leatrice and Jim Keller, Barbara and Stuart Sulman, and Michele and Nick Keller and will be missed tremendously by her loving grandchildren, Felice and Colman Becker, Carin and Scott Jacobson, Lainey and Scott Slotnick, Scott Sulman, Caitlin Keller, Michael Keller, and Courtney Keller, and her five great-grandchildren, Keller and Molly Slotnick, Ryan and Luke Jacobson, and Jessica Becker, as well as her nieces and nephews.
Frances attended Reed College at just 16 years old, and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in sociology. She was instrumental in supporting and building Keller Supply Company, which Howard founded in 1945 and has grown to become a successful, multi-state, wholesale plumbing company.
She was an extraordinary woman who was admired by so many who knew her. Frances treasured time spent with her family and especially loved calls and visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also cherished the extensive travel she and Howard enjoyed through the years. With a true appreciation for reading and challenging her mind, Frances liked word games, Scrabble, and the daily crossword puzzle. Also, she always looked forward to playing cards with her dear friends.
Frances supported a variety of worthwhile organizations, and was especially committed to Jewish Family Service, where she sat on the board and together with Howard, established the Keller Children’s Fund to give children opportunities they might not otherwise have had. Together, Frances and Howard created a lasting impact on the community. As members of the University of Washington History Department’s Visiting Committee, they became aware of the department’s need for additional funds and created the Howard and Frances Keller Endowed Professorship in History, enhancing the UW’s ability to attract and retain distinguished faculty. They also established the Howard and Frances Keller Research Fund and were enthusiastic backers of the Huskies and UW athletic department. Longtime members of Temple De Hirsch Sinai, they instituted the Frances and Howard Keller Family Lecture Series at the synagogue, striving to bring important speakers and educators to the community. Also, she enjoyed her membership at the Women’s University Club and Glendale Country Club.
Frances will be remembered for her kindness, strength, quick wit, and no-nonsense approach. She considered her grandest accomplishment to be her role as wife and mother and was proud of her family — all four generations. With overwhelming gratitude for having “the greatest family and friends,” she especially appreciated her loving and devoted caregivers, Brenda Asuncion, Sylvina Llares, Michele Bacani, Betty Laureta, and Rufina Laureta. Frances’ family would also like to thank Dr. Gary Schuster, Dr. Peter Demopulos, and Dr. Grady Hughes for their tireless care and support. Rabbi Daniel Weiner has also been invaluable during this difficult time and the family thanks him.
Frances created a legacy that will live on through her beloved family and community contributions. All who knew her will forever be inspired by her friendship, resilience, positive attitude, and love of life.
Frances M. Keller
