Velma Keppler

On Thursday, November 9, 2006, Velma Irene Smith Keppler went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a sweet and well-loved lady whose gentle spirit will be missed by many. She died surrounded by family and loved ones. She fought a long, hard battle with heart disease and diabetes and the Lord took her home where she now has a new and pain-free body. She was born 82 years ago on October 13, 1924, in Shenandoah, Virginia, to the late Newton Casper and Jennie Alberta (Grimsley) Smith. On July 11, 1951, she married Alfred Vernon Keppler, who survives. Surviving are a daughter, Millie Hutchison of Chillicothe; sons Ralph Keppler of Westerville and Mark (Lorie) Keppler of Green Camp, OH. Her grandchildren are Jason (Kelli) Hutchison, Joe (Amy) Hutchison, Kristen Keppler, and Matthew Keppler; step-grandchildren are Jenatha and Maranda Craven, Brock Patterson, and Brandon Marshall; a great-granddaughter, Carli Hope Hutchison; and a stepgreat-granddaughter Adrianna Sexton. Also surviving are a brother, Jennings (Delores) Smith ofElkton, VA.; sister-in-law, Edna Smith of Shenandoah, VA; brothers-in-laws Howard (Geneva) Keppler of Beaver and Raymond (Pat) Keppler of Chillicothe; and sister-in-law, Anna Keppler of Piketon. She was predeceased by 3 sisters: Gladys Smith, Mary Smith, and Nora Dorraugh and 3 brothers: Elmer, Millard, and Noah Smith, and a beloved son-in-law, Rick Hutchison. She had retired from the Adena Regional Hospital where she had been a registered nurse who worked on the pediatric floor for many years. She loved working with children and found it to be her special calling. She was a long time member of Tyler Memorial United Methodist Church and very active in the United Methodist Women. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2006, at Tyler Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor B. Jay Dailey and Rev. Jim Groves officiating. Burial will follow in Londonderry Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Haller Funeral Home. Any memorial contributions may be made to the Tyler United Methodist Women's group.