Suzanne L. Keller

Our beloved matriarch, Suzanne “Susie” Keller, passed away in peace on April 3, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

Susie was born on March 7, 1940, to the late Otto and Mary (King) Blauser. She grew up on the family farm in Baltimore, Ohio, where she perfected her homemaking skills and cared for her younger sister, Bonnie, as a second mother. Susie graduated with the Liberty Union High School Class of 1958 and married her high school sweetheart, Michael Keller. Their daughters, Elizabeth and Melanie, were the greatest joys of her life.

With a crinkled eyed smile, Susie was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality. All were welcomed into her home with open arms and grace.

Her genuine interest in people meant she never knew a stranger. She always found a connection even when chatting with random people at the doctor’s office. It was impossible to go anywhere with Susie without meeting a distant cousin. Everyone was family. She shared her love for others with her service heart, always ready to lend a helping hand and a sincere “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

Susie’s greatest service was to the Baltimore United Methodist Church. She was a lifetime member and proud to belong to one of the church’s founding families. Her dedication knew no bounds. Every Sunday, for over 50 years, Susie played the church organ, accompanied by her dearest friend, Carol Myers, on the piano. There were countless steak dinners and thousands of homemade egg noodles made by Susie to benefit her church and community.

Susie’s hands were always busy, whether it was creating works of art with her quilting, knitting and cross stitch, or baking her signature Italian Cream Cake. She freely gifted her creations to loved ones and community members.

Life long friendships were maintained through Susie’s community activities, including many volunteer hours with her daughters’ 4H, and the Liberty Union Band, and her long time membership with the historic Basil Garden Club.

Despite having lived her entire life in Baltimore, Susie’s adventurous spirit led her and Michael to travel all over the world, exploring every corner of North America and visiting countless cathedrals and castles from England to Russia.

Susie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Michael Keller; daughters, Elizabeth Keller and Melanie (Dave) Britt; sister, Bonnie (Dave) Grimm; sister-in-law, Ruth Blauser; nieces, Anne (Jason) Brengman and Allison (Jeff) Hutton; nephew, David (Kellee) Blauser; and grandchildren, Addie (Jimmy) Blauser-Wilson; Jacob (Sarah) Blauser; Jackson (Teresa) Brengman; Cannon and Colton Blauser; and Zane Brengman. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Donna Keller; nieces, Dodie (Bob) Saunders and Denise (Glenn) Melter; and nephew, Donald (Jennifer) Keller.

In addition to her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Blauser; and her nephew, Josh Blauser.

Susie will be remembered for her unwavering love and dedication to her family and church. She is greatly loved and will be forever missed.

The family is grateful to the entire cardiac care team, especially the CICU nurses, at Mt. Carmel East. Thank you for your excellent care of Susie.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105 with Rev. Alyce Hardin-Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Basil Memorial Cemetery.  Friends may visit Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Baltimore United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market St., Baltimore, Ohio 43105 in her memory.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.