LaRue Stone Keller

Lt./Col. LaRue S. Keller, born August 17, 1930 in Springville, Utah went home on September 11, 2020 in Panama City, Florida.

Son, George Keller, was the first child born to an action duty woman who was allowed to stay on active duty.  She made other milestones that military women enjoy today.  She worked in Alaska for five years, saved money, and went to Seattle University for a Nursing degree.  Money ran out at the beginning of the fourth year and she was encouraged by student Army nurses to join the Army Student Nurse Program.

Upon graduation, she was assigned to Fort Sam, Houston for Basic Training and then assigned to Fort Hood, Texas where she met husband Bill on a blind date.  She followed husband Bill (Army Pilot) to a tour in Korea, many tours at Fort Rucker, AL and two tours in Vietnam.  She returned to Fort Rucker where, prior to retirement, she was Chief Nurse of Lyster Army Hospital.  During her career, Lt./Col. Keller received fourteen different badges and medals including two bronze stars and a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  Upon retirement to Panama City, LaRue became (when Gulf Coast Hospital opened up) as the Educational Coordinator. She later worked at Haney Technical Center helping train LPN’s (Licensed Practical Nurses) before finally retiring.    

Lt./Col. Keller is survived by husband Major William E. Keller, son George Keller & wife Tamara of Clarksville, TN, Granddaughters: Danielle LaRue Keller, Charlee Nicole Keller and extended family member Anthony C. Fick.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3140 State Avenue with Bishop Joe Gainer officiating followed by an internment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Family will receive friends Wednesday, September 16, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LaRue Stone Keller, please visit our floral store.