Obituary of Patricia Keller

Mary Patricia “Pat” (Clarke) Keller, age 99, widow of the late John L. Keller, died Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky. Born March 19, 1925 in Lexington, Kentucky, she was the middle child of the late Augustine “Gus” Edward and Lucille (McKinivan) Clarke. Her sister, Lucille (Clarke) Kelton, and her brother, Gus Clarke II, predeceased her. Pat attended St. Catherine’s Academy in Lexington, and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1948, having majored in social work. Pat started dating John Keller in the Spring of 1947, and in a whirlwind romance, got engaged in June, and married on September 6, 1947. Initially living in Frankfort, they moved to Harrodsburg in 1950 after her husband’s mother died and his father suffered a stroke, in order to care for his father. They remained in Mercer County to care for the family farm after John’s father’s death. Together they had seven children, one girl and six boys. Pat and John enjoyed an active social life in Harrodsburg and she was involved in a bridge club, in local theatre, and was very active in her children’s school, working in the cafeteria and at rummage sales at St. Andrew’s School. She loved fashion and going dancing, riding horses with John, and taking annual family vacations with their children. Their happy marriage was cut short in 1971 by her husband’s premature death due to congestive heart failure at the age of 52. With five of their seven children still living at home, the youngest age five, Pat was determined to stay on the family farm. Having previously worked with her husband in preparing tax returns, she began her own tax preparation practice at her house, retaining many of her husband’s clients as well as adding many new clients of her own. She continued her tax preparation practice until 2017, at age 92, and was recognized by the University of Kentucky for the longest continuous attendance record at their annual income tax school. Pat’s grit and determination were admired by all who knew her, especially her family. She always encouraged each of them in their endeavors, and despite all the demands of raising her sons after her husband’s death, she managed to show each of them the love and individualized attention necessary to build their sense of self-worth. To counter the demands of life on the farm, she took her young sons camping and to the beach. Later, she often traveled with family, both stateside and abroad. She entertained all with her Irish wit, and it was simply fun to be with her. Pat inspired all who knew her by her undying faith, seeking “God's will” above all. She attended daily Mass, driving herself to church until she stopped driving at age 99. Her loved ones cherished her advice and infallible wisdom. She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love her. Pat’s legacy includes: one daughter Mary Wendelle “Wendy” (Dale) Wortham of Knoxville, Tennessee; and six sons: J. Clarke (Lissa) Keller of Lexington, Kentucky; Michael T. (Jennifer) Keller of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; David A. (Leslie) Keller of Cary, North Carolina; Dr. Gregory C. (Susan) Keller of Jacksonville, Florida; Patrick J. (Gail) Keller of Louisville, Kentucky; Christopher M. (Terri) Keller of Louisville, Kentucky; 16 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday, March 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1125 Danville Road, Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Andrew Church, Harrodsburg, on Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. A private family burial will follow. Pat's sons will serve as pallbearers. Any memorial donations should be sent in honor of Patricia Keller to St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1125 Danville Road, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330. Arrangements by Ransdell Funeral Chapel, where expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Pat’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com