Pamela “Pam” Elaine Keller, 60, of Salina, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020, at North Kansas City Hospital, Hospice House, with her children by her side. Pam was born on January 26, 1960 in Salina, KS. She graduated from Miltonvale High School in 1978 and then attended Fort Hays State University. Shortly after graduation, Pam began her career in Salina, KS as a teacher.
Pam taught for 35 years at St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School. First, as the 4th grade teacher, and later as the Librarian. She was a caring, thoughtful, and patient teacher and was well loved and respected by both the students and her fellow teachers. Every year, Pam participated in a National Geographic contest allowing her to share her love of Geography and Social Studies with her students. Each new school year brought a new country or region of the world for her students to discover and sometimes she was even able to take learning trips to discover those places in person. Above all, Pam took joy in sharing Kansas’s History with her students and taking them to visit Topeka, our state’s Capitol, on field trips. International Pancake Day activities were led by Pam who hosted an annual pancake race for the students. Pam’s infectious sense of humor shone in her stories, jokes, and her contagious laugh; she always lit up the room. As a librarian, Pam shared her love of reading, inspiring the next generation of students to become readers. Pam made each story she read aloud to the students unique by adding different voices for the characters. Pam delighted in suggesting books to her students or reading books they suggested to her. Pam’s passion for education made a lasting impact on the students at St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School as well as the future students who will no doubt enjoy the traditions she established at the school.
Aside from Pam’s career, her greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother. Pam was a devoted mother to Brandon and Casey. Pam always made time to be a part of Brandon’s Boy Scout Troop, Casey’s Baton events, and both kids’ sports. Her greatest passion was spending time with her children and supporting them in all of their accomplishments. Pam was glad she was able to see both of her kids graduate from college, start careers, and fall in love. Pam was able to be there for Brandon and Shannon on their wedding day, something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Pam was active in her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, Catholic Daughters, and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She surrounded herself with friends from every season of her life. Once you were in Pam’s life, she held you in a special place in her heart. Pam was very family oriented, spending as much time as she could with her extended family and claiming many of her great nieces and nephews as her own grandchildren. She also spent time with Craig Ballou, her special friend. She loved spending time with her sisters and helping with the family harvest. Pam left behind many personalized Scrabble boards for her loved ones and scrapbooks of their travels. Traveling with friends and family was one of Pam’s passions, her trip to Ireland topping them all.
She leaves behind her daughter Casey Keller; and son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Shannon Keller; siblings, Karen, Nadine, Lisa, Dallas, and Robert; 15 nieces and nephews; and 17 great nieces and nephews.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents John “Bob” and Marion Breen; siblings Dennis, Douglas, Colleen, Kathy, Mary Ann, and twin infant sisters; niece Darci; and nephew Jeremy.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, followed by a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 17, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions may be made to: Tammy Walker Cancer Center, or to St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School Library in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina.