Neomia Christine Bybee Keller was born December 6, 1929 to C.J. and Nellie (Robinson) Bybee in Schell City, Missouri. She was the 4th of 10 children.
She, along with her family later moved to Collins, Missouri where she resided until her death on April 29, 2020 at the age of 90.
Neomia graduated from Collins High School in May of 1947 and started teaching in a one-room school in September of 1947 and did so for 3 years. She then taught at Collins and Weaubleau schools retiring in 1982
She continued her education in the summers and at night while teaching full time and raising a family. She received her associated degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1953, a bachelors degree from Southern Missouri State University in 1960 and a Masters Degree from Drury University in 1976.
On October 28, 1950 she was united in marriage to Bud Keller. This union was blessed with 3 children, Brenda Van Glider, Gary Dean Keller and Wanda Garver. They were married for over 63 years.
Neomia’s beliefs and passions were God, family, friends and teaching. In addition, she enjoyed fishing, reading, puzzles, traveling with family and puttering in her yard. After her retirement she worked at Keller Fur with Bud and enjoyed talking with people and meetings friends, both old and new.
She cherished her time with family and especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even when they hid the flyswatter from her. Her favorite things in her later years were going fishing and spending time at the park with family.
Neomia was preceded in death by her son, Gary Dean Keller (In infancy); husband, Bud Keller (In 2014); sisters, Claribel Overton, Marilyn Henderson, Rena Payne, Reva Keller and Gloria McLaughlin; brothers, Henry Bybee, John Bybee and Kenneth Bybee and parents, C.J. and Nellie Bybee.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Mike) Van Gilder and Wanda (Tommy) Garver; grandchildren, Trey Rutherford (fiancé, April Smalley), Sean (April) Rutherford, Shane Garver, Nick (Rebecca) Garver, Tony (Kristen) Garver, Earlene (Kevin) Pipes and Jason Garver; 18 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; sister, Bettie (Joe) Hunter; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bybee, Leo Keller, Gene and Dorothy and Gerald Keller; nieces, nephews and many friends.
“Go rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done.”
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Hazel Williams says
May 1, 2020 at 9:41 pmSo sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength, peace & comfort.
Lois Stiltz and Richard Moore says
May 2, 2020 at 7:36 amTo Brenda, Mike and family. We are thinking about you and offer our prayers for comfort and strength during the difficult times you will be facing. Mother’s live in our hearts forever. May those memories see you through .
Donna Zerr Morris says
May 3, 2020 at 7:04 pmSo sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of her from 5th grade.
Donna and Ted Gilbo says
May 6, 2020 at 7:21 pmBrenda and Wanda and families, We have some wonderful memories of our families together through the years whether in Oregon or Missouri. Your mom always made us feel at home and we so enjoyed her. Such a warm laugh and a hard worker; always present to support those who might need it. She will be remembered for sure along with your dad. I had to laugh at the obituary comment about the grand kids hiding the flyswatter as I think of it as more a threat! Our love,
Shirley Kellogg says
May 8, 2020 at 1:38 pmBrenda and Wanda, you and your families are/will be in my thoughts and prayers as tomorrow approaches.
Leon Smith says
May 17, 2020 at 6:50 pmBrenda
Sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mrs. Keller from my 5th & 6th grade years. Fun times with the math and spelling contests.
Leon Smith