Marian R. Keller's Obituary
Marian (Rentz) Keller, age 96, died gracefully and at peace on March 16, 2026. She was born January 24, 1930 in Williamsport, PA to James and Luella Robinson Rentz. Her husband of 72 years, David Neal Keller, preceded her in death in 2023.
Marian graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1947 and attended Ohio University, where she graduated with a degree in Medical Technology and met her husband, David Keller. They married in 1950 and, after traveling and working in several states, they settled in Athens in 1954 and lived there until 1987. She worked at OU’s medical laboratory and O’Bleness Hospital while raising her three children. Marian was especially proud of starting the Athens Farmers Market in 1974, which still flourishes today. After Athens, she and Dave lived in Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA before retiring to Keowee Key in South Carolina.
Marian participated in many sports there, including golf, tennis, and a senior synchronized swimming team, which performed at the state level many times and once at the national level. She was an avid quilter, puzzler, gardener, and reader. Marian and Dave loved traveling the world with friends and family, including a bicycle trip across China. After 26 years in South Carolina, they moved to Dublin, OH, to be near their daughter.
She is survived by her children Gretchen (John) Gallucci, Jeff Keller, and Gary (Mary) Keller; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Friendship Village for all its loving care the past six years, and National Church Residences Hospice Care the past three months.
A private family burial in Athens is planned in April.
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