Alma 'Polly' Keeler

Alma “Polly” Keeler went to be with her Lord and Savior on Nov. 26, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Polly was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Gillette, Ark., to Ed and Mary Mack.

She spent her childhood traveling around with the family. They worked in the fruit orchards. She married Jerry Burghduff in 1962. Out of that union they had two sons, Duane and Darrell, then later divorced.

Polly later married the love of her life, Bill Keeler. They spent the next 28 years together. They lived in Washington, where she worked as a nurse’s aide. They moved to Montana to be closer to her boys.

They took turns caring for each other during their illnesses. Bill cared for Polly until she went to see her Lord. She’s up there smiling down on us now. She made many more friendships through their church and cherished every one of them. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Gene and Lee Mack; and granddaughter Desirae Burghduff.

She is survived by her husband Bill Keeler of Kalispell; son Duane and wife Tammy and their sons Cody and Casey of Columbia Falls, and Darrell and wife Gennie and their son Gerald of Kalispell; stepson William Keeler of Monroe, Wash.; stepdaughter Kelli Keeler of Lake Stevens, Wash.; brother Ardell Mack of Brandon, Ore.; sisters Shirley Larson and husband Dale of Everett, Wash., Maxine Patrick and husband Cecil, and Margie Calzia and husband Wayne, all of Waterville, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, send cards or donations in care of Bill Keeler to the Valley Community Church to help with funeral expenses.

Memorial services were held Saturday, Nov. 29 at Valley Community Church of God, 2149 Highway 2 East in Kalispell. Viewing was Friday, Nov. 28 at Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home.

Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Polly’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and to sign Polly’s guestbook.