Memorial Services for Bonnie Keller have been set for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Church of The Redeemer, 7110 Hwy 9, Kansas City, MO 64152. Visitation 9:30 a.m. with the Memorial Service commencing at 10:30 a.m. Urn Placement will take place in The King City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to either of the following organizations; SPEAC Food Pantry (Southern Platte Emergency Assistance Center) or Northland Infant Clothing Center.
The Memorial Service celebrating Darlyne’s life will be available via LIVE STREAM
at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023 thru the Church of the Redeemer website.
https://www.redeemerkc.org
Bonnie Darlyne Keller passed away on September 7, 2023, age 89, at her home in Linden Woods Village in Gladstone, Missouri. Darlyne was born on November 22, 1933, in Stanberry, Missouri to Ruth Leo Gregory Schottel and John Franklin Schottel. She joined three older brothers – Kendall, Ivan, and Donnie – from whom she got her big laugh and love of big fun. Her younger sister, Nadine, came along soon, and she and Darlyne shared a close loving bond for her entire life.
Darlyne graduated from High School in Rosendale, Missouri in 1951, and married John Bradford Hayes on April 5, 1953. The couple moved to Union Star, Missouri and had two children, Donald Bradford Hayes and Myra Jan Hayes. John passed away on December 13, 1958, a tragic loss that brought to light the incredible strength Darlyne had within her to care for her young family.
She married Jay Dee Keller on August 3, 1960, and the couple had two sons, Patrick Dee Keller and Michael Todd Keller, and settled in Kansas City, Missouri.
Darlyne became a member of the Baptist Church when she was 15 and found great comfort in her church. Her care and concern for others was always at the forefront of her life, and her door was always open for a chat and a cup of coffee – most often with an accompanying piece of cake or muffin.
Darlyne worked at Cellular One for many years, retiring from her professional career in 1997. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years, was active in supporting the scouting program, gave generously of her artistic talents in Christian Women’s groups, and enjoyed do-si-do-ing with a square dance group till the cows came home.
Darlyne was a dedicated and creative homemaker, caring for her nearest and dearest and honing her kitchen skills from her vast collection of cookbooks. She was known far and wide for her culinary expertise and was happiest cooking up a storm for anyone lucky enough to land in her kitchen.
When she turned the oven off, she could often be found playing the piano and singing along to her favorite show tunes and Big Band Hits, or in the garden performing her own special “green” magic that resulted in the most beautiful flower gardens in the neighborhood. These gardens, augmented with a plethora of feeders and baths, attracted flocks of grateful birds that brought her years of joyful observation and contentment.
She was a competitive game player, engaging in a cutthroat game of cards or dominos any time she could find an opponent. In addition, Darlyne loved old movies and would curl up in her chair with her cat in her lap for a trip into the past.
Darlyne was a collector, and her home was filled with many displays of teacups, ornaments, marbles, and other countless fascinations that brought her pleasure and brought her grandchildren and great-grandchildren endless delight and wonder.
Darlyne was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and her son, Michael Keller. She is survived by her sister, Nadine (Jerry) Simmons Ferguson of Kansas City, MO; her children, Brad (Kathy) Hayes of Kansas City, MO, Jan Stout of Gallatin, MO, and Patrick Keller of Kansas City, MO; her grandchildren Amanda (Tom) Byard of Topeka, KS, Laura Hayes and Ben Sommers of Adrian, MO, Nicole (Matt) McKinnie of Kansas City, MO, Toby Bradhurst of Bettendorf, IA, Kaitlyn (Eric) Bunch of Kansas City, MO, Megan Stout of Oxford, MS, and Michael (Tiffany) Stout of Austin, TX; eleven great-grandchildren; and countless friends, neighbors, and loved ones who will miss her a great deal and treasure fond memories of their time spent with her.
Our prayers are with Jan, Brad, and Pat.
Greg and Jodi Adams.
My prayers are with Brad, Jan, Pat and family.
Beautifully written Eulogy, thank you! Darlyne is dear to my heart now and forever. I will continue to cherisher her friendship and love. Her family meant the world to her.
God bless you all. Bonnie Darlyne left a precious legacy to follow.
My love and prayers for you all,
DeLynne Merrill
Beautiful life, she was a special woman. We enjoyed ever visit. Sorry for your loss.
I never personally had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie but her obituary paints a picture of a woman who was beautiful inside and out, and it gave me a wonderful glimpse of the memorable life she lived and the memories you have of her time on her earthly journey. Brad always had a kind and caring look on his face when he spoke of his Mom and I can see why. God’s peace that passes all understanding is my prayer for all of you.
Darlyne was a kind, fun loving, creative, and giving neighbor. We will miss the chats, the sing-alongs, and the wonderful baked good from her oven. Condolences to all of her family,
Ron and Becky Whited
Having my Aunt Darlyne in our lives was truly a gift as she embraced life to the fullest.
Always a kind heart, radiant smile, and a humorous spirit welcomed you each time you were blessed to be in her presence. That along with the offering of a delicious treat that she had just whipped up. She recently recounted the adventure of riding in the Goodyear Blimp and a helicopter ride in Hawaii. Her adventuresome nature was infectious and enjoyed wholeheartedly.
Family was key to her as gatherings were always a celebration with everyone included and could happen at any time. We were lucky enough to be a part of so many wonderful times and shared memories. As an accomplished piano player, she could always bring a room to life and make everyone smile.
She maintained that family lovingness with her sister (my mother) Nadine throughout her entire life. They shared a special bond that may have required name tags at times to tell them apart.
Her love lives on in her family and our prayers are with them in this sorrowful time. God Bless!