Florence Irene (Fromme) Keitel Weller

Florence Keitel Weller, age 90, passed away on November 10, 2016 at Bickford Cottage, after a long journey through Alzheimer's disease. Named after her two maternal aunts, Florence Irene Fromme was born August 26, 1926 in Dayton, KY to Herbert H. and Elma L. (Osborn) Fromme. Known as Flossie to family and childhood friends, she was the adored first grandchild and niece on both sides of the family. She grew up in a large, loving, extended family, enjoying only child status until she was seven, when her younger sister was born.

An honor student at Bellevue (KY) High School, upon graduating Florence went to work for the Kentucky Times Star in Covington, KY, first as a copy runner but then moving into writing and editing as many of the young newspapermen went off to serve in World War II. When one young soldier returned from the war, Florence had to give up her job to him, but then moved onto Society Editor. She then became this man's bride, marrying Sheldon Albert "Barney" Keitel on September 6, 1946. By December 1947, Florence left the newspaper and became a full time mother when she had her first of three children. In 1962, her husband's newspaper career took the family to Tempe, AZ and then six months later to Southern California, where Barney worked at the Los Angeles Times until his death in 1972.

Once her kids reached school age, Florence worked part time outside the home, mostly in schools or church. A lifelong Presbyterian, she was Director of Christian Education at Glenkirk Presbyterian Church in Glendora, CA, where she also was a Sunday school teacher and Deacon. After losing her husband, she worked full time in the Covina Valley Unified Schools as a teacher's aide, school secretary, and high school registrar, retiring in 1988.

While serving on various church committees at Glenkirk, she befriended long time member, Harold H. Weller, who had lost his wife of 37 years shortly after Florence lost her husband. She thought she would cook Harold a few meals, fatten him up a little, and find him a nice wife. Little did she know then that she would be the wife. They were married on December 26, 1978. They enjoyed travelling throughout the world, first during Florence's school vacations and then after retirement. Playing bridge was another favorite pastime, especially with grandchildren and at family reunions. Before retirement, even while both were still working, Florence and Harold ran a Christmas tree farm in partnership with another couple for several years.

In 1990, Florence and Harold left the Southern California fast lane for Battle Creek. They both were very comfortable in their new surroundings, which in many ways reminded them of their youths. Florence became involved in the Deborah Circle at First Presbyterian Church, made hospital tray favors, and knitted baby hats. Both she and Harold volunteered in the HOSTS afternoon reading program, Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, and Franklin Food Pantry. She liked to stay busy, and was the consummate multi-tasker. She was not afraid to tackle big jobs, like painting, wall papering, or window washing. She was an avid gardener, loved being in nature, and was a secret poet. She was also skilled at crochet, needlepoint, and quilt making. Her most treasured role was being "Gran" to her own three grandchildren and Harold's three granddaughters. There was nothing she loved better than hosting family and attending family gatherings.

Florence was preceded in death by her two husbands, Sheldon Keitel in 1972 and Harold Weller in 2015; and daughter-in-law Stephanie Keitel in 2009. She is survived by her children Sheldon Keitel, Jr., Susan Keitel and Seth Keitel; grandchildren Christian (Laura) Keitel of Burlingame, CA, Cameron Keitel of Burlington, VT, and Caitlin Keitel of Portland, OR; great granddaughter Harper Mae Keitel; sister Marilou Fromme; many cousins; and Sox the cat.

Flossie, Florence, Mom, Gran and Friend --- your kind, loving, generous spirit and wry sense of humor will be missed by all. Thank you. We will love you forever.

Friends will be received 4:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial services will be officiated by Reverend Patricia Weatherwax at First Presbyterian Church 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016; followed by a light lunch in the parlor. Inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Florence wished memorials be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek or your local Humane Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.