Barbara Doris Keeler, passed away peacefully in the company of her children and grandchildren at her side on June 7, 2015, at the age of 88.  Barbara is survived by her sister, Norene Michener of Oakdale; children Marilyn (David) Morton, Reno, Marjorie (Carl) White, Oakdale, Ronald (Debra) Keeler, Oakdale and Edward (Cindy Worley) Keeler, Oakdale; grandchildren:  Andrew (Deanna) Morton, Charles (Mary) Morton, Jenifer (Jason) Grant, Michael (Kristy) White, Carrie White, and great-grandchildren:  Melody, Adina and Jasmine Johnson, Soran and Lilja Grant, Oliva and Evan White, Owen and Clair Morton and Ryland Morton and her beloved cat, Twittly.   She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald G. Keeler Sr.
Barbara was born in Oakdale, CA on July 6, 1926.  She spent her entire life in Oakdale, raising her family. She was employed by The Oakdale Joint Unified School District as a teacher’s aid.  Volunteerism was a large part of her life.  Barbara’s life as a volunteer began when her children entered school.  She was active in Campfire Girls, PTA, CSEA, Community United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi, McHenry Mansion and Oak Valley Hospital Auxiliary. 
Barbara still found time in her life for gardening, sewing, needle craft and knitting; her personalized hand-knit Christmas stockings are hung with care, not only in Oakdale, but throughout the Western United States.
In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling with her husband  Ron and members of the Oakdale Shrine Club.  Barbara was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She traveled to Texas and Nevada to visit and care for grandsons and the Oakdale grandchildren flocked to her home. Her last four years were spent in the company of kind and loving caregivers:  Becky, Laurie, Cecilia and Margret.  Barbara was fortunate to have Alicia and Joey Ricci as devoted neighbors.  Because of these people, she was able to live out her life in her home. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at 10:00am, at the Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Street, Oakdale, CA.  A reception will follow at the church.  A Celebration of Life will be held after the reception at her 926 Poplar Street home. The family is forever grateful for Dr. Chet Mahida’s gentle touch and care.  The family also thanks the staff of Oak Valley Hospital for the comfort and care shown to her and her family during her final hours. Memorials can be made to Community United Methodist Church, Oakdale, CA.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
June 10, 2015