Wauneta Jean Allen Keller was born January 13, 1930, to Clarence and Martha (Farris) Allen at the Ulrich place in Brown County. She was one of eleven children. Wauneta graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1950. She married Phil Keller on February 10, 1950, at Springview, NE. To this union six children were born: Jim, Bob, Bonnie, Valeta, Rosiland, and Rhonda.
Phil and Wauneta owned and operated Keller Electric in Ainsworth, NE. Wauneta was the administrative assistant for the company for many years and was proud of the business’ success. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts and encouraged her grandkids to participate as well. She loved playing different games with the grandkids and on occasion might have accused one or two of them of cheating to win. Wauneta enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and also participated in bowling leagues. It brought her great joy to travel to several state tournaments, bringing home hardware to show off her skills. Music was a big part of Wauneta’s life. She played music with her family and provided entertainment for the community as well. She played on the Long Pine Railroad Half Hour show and also traveled to Norfolk and played on the radio at Tom’s music house with her daughters. She played in bands with her brothers and daughters and traveled all over singing for others. Wauneta was involved in the initial stages of bringing the Country Music Festival to Ainsworth. She was hands on with the planning, organizing, and also as a participant. A favorite pastime of Wauneta was being outside enjoying birds and planting flowers. She loved making banana bread and Rice Krispy bars when the grandkids would come to visit. Her favorite was her “lap partner” Daisy Mae. Daisy brought such joy to her life and never left her side in the end.
Wauneta was preceded in death by her son Jim Keller of North Platte, NE and ten siblings: Isabelle Jacobitz, Marvin (Jack) Allen, James Allen, Evelyn Hill, Dorothy Jones, Wayne Allen, Darlene Oakes, Gene Allen, Lester Allen, and Elmer Allen. And son-in-law Marc Bellin.
Those left to cherish her memory are: Son, Robert (Stacia) Keller of Longmont, CO. Daughters: Bonnie Bellin of Johnstown, CO; Valeta Hallsted of Gilchrest, CO, Rosiland (Ros) (Bruce) Beebout of Kearney, NE; and Rhonda Keller (Russ) of Hershey, NE. Daughter in law Barbara Keller and special family friend Felix Soto as well as Daisy Mae and 10 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
An outside memorial service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the home of her daughter, Rhonda Keller, in Hershey, NE. Following the service, the celebration of Wauneta’s life will continue with many of the things that she enjoyed including food, fellowship, music, karaoke, yard games, etc. Memorials may be made to the family in her name for further designation.
Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.