Rita J. Keller

Rita J. Keller, of Sandusky, passed away quietly Sunday morning, March 5, 2023, the day before her 85th birthday after a long illness.

She was born March 6, 1938, and graduated from Sandusky High School.  Rita was a member of Holy Angels Parish, Sandusky.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.  Rita retired from the Log Cabin Restaurant, Bay View. The Log Cabin is where she met her husband Ted Keller Sr., of 40 years.  

Her passion was in the kitchen, cooking.  She loved trying new recipes and keeping her family and friends well fed!  Rita enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Holidays made Rita shine, she loved to decorate her home for every holiday.  She loved flowers and always had a wreath on her front door to celebrate those special days. 

She is survived by two daughters Kandee (Tim) Sessler, Castalia, and Kim (Frank) McCleese, AZ; six grandchildren Jenny (Tim) Hodgkinson, AZ, Stacey (Marc) Faulkner, AZ, Jon (Ashley) Sessler, Republic, and Katie and Steven Reed; seven great grandchildren Mason and Megan Barber, Beau, Liam, and Sawyer Sessler, and Garrett and Dani Faulkner; daughter in-law Brooke Keller, son in-law Rob Reed; and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Ted Keller Sr.; daughter Tracey Reed; son Ted Keller Jr.; parents John and Mildred (Pocevic) Yakupak; four sisters Kakie Baltes and twin sister Mary Lazzara, Annie Ross, and Kelen “Ellie” Male; and brother William Yakupak.

There will be no services at this time.  Father Gabriel (Rita’s nephew) will officiate a private celebration of life at a later date.  Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erie County Humane Society, 1911 Superior St. Sandusky, OH 44870, Margaretta Fire Dept, 113 South Ave., Castalia, and to One’s favorite charity.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

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