Evelyn May Keller's Obituary
Evelyn was born May 8, 1924 in Elkart, Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Myrtle Brightup and passed away in Escondido, CA at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Her family traveled to their new home in a horse drawn carriage wagon and she lived to fly around the world to visit 33 countries in a jumbo jet.
She grew up in Liberal, Kansas during the depression near the center of the dust bowl. She met her future husband, Wesley L. Keller, at Friends Bible College in Havilland, Kansas where they both graduated in 1942. She moved to California with her parents and got a job as a secretary at B.F. Goodrich Company.
She married Wesley September 12, 1943 and they both attended Pacific Bible College (now Azusa Pacific University) before going to their first pastorate at Barstow, California in 1944. This was the beginning of a 65 year ministry including serving numerous churches and foreign mission. Her gifts of teaching, music, and hospitality helped support her husband’s ministry. They were truly a team through all their ministries.
She accompanied him to thirteen different countries where he was the guest speaker. After retirement, they taught as volunteers for Bible Colleges in Philippines, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, Africa. She also tutored English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) many years at Lawbach Center in Escondido, even up through her 80's in her own home.
She graduated with honors and received her teaching credential from the University of CA at Los Angeles, her Master’s from the University of Redlands, and E.S.L. Certificate from the University of California at Riverside. She taught school, raised her three boys and worked, where needed, supporting her husband’s ministry.
She achieved her goal of visiting most of the National Parks and historic places in the United States. She published her book "Memories and Muses of 90 Years" when she was 92, which can be found on Amazon.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Eddie and Myrtle Brightup, husband: Wesley, great great grandson Eden, son; Jim, brothers: Vern and Marvin and one sister: Roselle who passed away on September 13, 2022 at 12:00 a.m. (three hours after Evelyn).
She is survived by sons Dan (Joani) and David (Debbie), five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and sister Carol.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to one of the following:
Escondido 1st Church of Nazarene and Azusa Pacific University.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 29, 2022 at 10:30am at Escondido 1st Church of the Nazarene, 1555 S Redwood St, Escondido, CA 92025.
A Private family and close friends graveside service will be held October 20, 2022 at 1:00pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 2640 Glenridge Rd, Escondido, CA 92027.
What’s your fondest memory of Evelyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Evelyn?
Share a story where Evelyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Evelyn you’ll never forget.
How did Evelyn make you smile?