Maxine D. Keller

Maxine D. Keller, 96, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus where she had resided for eight months.

She was born May 4, 1929 at the family home in Whetstone Twp., Crawford County, Ohio to the late Carl E. and Sarah (Scheff) Beamer. Maxine was a 1947 graduate of Whetstone High School and went on to graduate from Bustin Beauty School in Columbus. On November 11, 1951, Maxine married Darl Emerson Keller and they shared 58 years of marriage until his passing on December 7, 2009.

A year after working in cosmetology, Maxine opened “Maxine’s Beauty Nook” - a business she operated until raising a family claimed all of her time. Once her children had grown, Maxine enjoyed working as a substitute cook at Mt. Zion and Wynford Schools.

Maxine grew up on a farm and gained many skills from that experience that served her well throughout her life. She will be remembered by many as a classy lady who was always on the go, but she did have a side to her that some didn’t know about. When she was young, many of the boys were excused from school during hunting season and so, being a bit jealous of them, she took up shooting guns and earned the nickname “Annie Oakley” due to her accuracy. She maintained those shooting skills even into her later years.

Over the years, Maxine and Darl enjoyed taking many family vacations, traveling across the U.S. pulling a small trailer. A special memory was visiting almost all of the national parks in 48 states. Upon retirement, Maxine and Darl spent many winters in Florida in their Airstream, visiting friends and enjoying the warm weather. The two of them also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.

Maxine was also an avid collector of recipes, and tried her hand at bowling and golf for recreation. Every winter, she had a tradition of building a snowman and dressing him up for a photo. During the summers, Maxine would frequently be found tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, places that required much work (weeds were not allowed), but also brought her peace and joy. She fed her family with what was grown and canned the rest. Anything Maxine focused her attention on was cared for in meticulous fashion. Maxine was also a very talented seamstress, creating many beautiful quilts as well as outfits for her children. In the early years, numerous items sewn were made with feed sacks as a way to conserve resources. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and always prepared a feast of great food and desserts.

Serving her Lord and others was important to Maxine. She was a long-time faithful member of Mt. Zion Community Church, serving in many roles; was a 30-year member of the Mt. Zion Quilters; was a 4-H Advisor with the Mt. Zion Lucky Maidens for 17 years; and was a founding member of the Mother’s Roundtable Club. Maxine was a member of the Mt. Zion Garden Club, rural neighbors Farm Bureau Council, and delivered Meals on Wheels with Darl for 15 years. By visiting others, Maxine also brought much cheer and comfort to so many when they couldn’t get out.

Maxine maintained a great love for her entire family and often referred to her children as the four best things she ever did. They are Helen (Jim) Luidhardt of Bucyrus, Paul (Jackie) Keller of Franklin, Michigan, Bruce (Susan) Keller of Cincinnati, and Sarah (Randy) Shifley of Bucyrus. Maxine had 11 grandchildren: Nadene (Dwight) Heckelman, Aileen (Rex) Plamann, Katie (Jim) Davis, Erika (Jason) Britton, Adam Keller, Andrew Keller, Michael Keller, Sarah Keller, Kindall Shifley, Dana Shifley (Garrett Church), John (Kimberly) Shifley; and 12 great grandchildren: Shepard, Emery, Mandalyn, Kenzie, Leni, Viola, Barrett, Rowina, Asher, Lawson, Graham, and Leah. Maxine is also survived by a brother-in-law, Larry (Kay) Keller, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Maxine was preceded in death by grandson, Jordan Keller; sisters, Lucille (Charles) McPeak and Marthalee (Howard) Horning; and Darl’s siblings, Mark (Sue) Keller and Genevieve (Kenneth) Alguire.

Maxine will be interred at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Brush Ridge. The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Service on Friday, Nov, 7 from 5-8 pm. On Saturday, Nov. 8, a celebration of life service will be held at 11am at Mt. Zion Community Church with pastors Matt Wilson and Sondra Snode officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made payable to Mt. Zion Community Church, Crawford County 4-H, or Friends of the Crawford Park District. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home or at the church on day of her service.

Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Maxine’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.