Patricia J. Keller

Patricia J. Keller, 82, of Burlington, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha.  A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Columbus Junction American Legion on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family at sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is caring for Patricia’s family and arrangements.

Patricia Jane Keller was born on June 20, 1944, in Muscatine, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Margaret (Dierst) Keller.  She was a graduate of Muscatine High School.  Patricia was a change girl in Las Vegas, was the first female ever to be able to go unload barges on the Mississippi, worked at Heinz and retired from Monsanto.  Following retirement, she went back to work as the “Lunch Lady” at the Muscatine High School.  She enjoyed sewing, singing and listening to her loved one’s sing, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, Cowboy movies, John Wayne and listening to music, especially Ricky Nelson, Ronnie Milsap and Dolly Parton. 

Patricia will be deeply missed by her sisters, Judy Mundy of Georgia; children, Judi (Joey) Hayes of Columbus Junction, Lisa Jones of Illinois City and Sherry Scott of Missouri; grandchildren, Jessica (Jamey), Eric (Megan), Jake (Kallie), Colton (Tierra),  Dylan (Nikilah), Brittany (Aaron), Darrien (Nico), Morgan (Damian), Cloe, Adam, Ethan, Heather (Curt), Jenny, Anthony, Ashlee (Charlie), Samantha (Nico), Destiny, Bella, Dylan, Shawn, Christian (Tianna), Allie, Libby, Makayla and Mackenzie; great grandchildren, Drake, Levi (Patrick), Aiden, Liam, Killian, Owen, Maci, Ruby, Presley, Stephen, Vivi, Izaiah, Dominic, Kennedie (Carolyn), Ladus, Mekhi, Tyler and Henry and bonus daughters, Sarah, Melissa (Curt), Kathy (Neil), Malena, Helen, Holly, Michelle (Tom) Nicole (Shawn) and several nieces and nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Larry “Cowboy” Chitwood; daughter, Sara Chitwood; grandchildren, Faith Kaller and Malena Torres and sisters, Donna (Billy) Welsch and Dorothy (John) Briggs.

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