Phyllis J. Keeler

Phyllis June White Keeler, 89, of Galway, went to her final reward on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. She was born in Johnstown, NY on December 9, 1934, a daughter of Roy S. and Isabell Frasier White and grew up and worked hard on a dairy farm in Broadalbin. Phyllis was a 1952 graduate of Broadalbin Central School. She made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young girl in an after-school program and served Him through her entire life. Phyllis knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to be a teacher. She put herself through college at the University of New York at Oneonta and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Soon after, Phyllis married the love of her life and her knight in shining armor, Earl J. Keeler, of Ballston Spa, whom she met on a blind date and soon after broke a previous engagement to join ranks for the amazing adventure of their sixty-two years together. Mrs. Keeler taught at Rock City Falls Elementary, Broadalbin Elementary, and Joseph Henry Elementary School in Galway for a total of thirty-four years. Phyllis’ love for God, her family, friends, and community were reflected in her professional and personal life. She was involved in just about every community organization possible, including the following: Galway Town Historian for fifty-two years Teacher at Joseph Henry Elementary School for thirty-one years Life membership in the Galway PTA for her outstanding contributions to the youth of the community 4-H Leader for twenty-five years Director of Elementary Student Council for twenty years President of Galway Teachers Association President and member of Galway Board of Education Treasurer of the PTSA Teacher of the Year in 1981 Founder of the Joseph Henry Day Graduate of Liberty Home Bible Institute of Bible/Counseling 1991 President and member of Sacandaga Bible Conference Board President and member of Barkersville Christian Church Board President and member of the Galway Education Foundation Member of the Galway Library Board and Galway Pantry President and member of Galway Senior Citizens President and member of Foster Hill Cemetery Association President and member of Galway Preservation Society Chairman and member of the Galway Republican Committee President of the Upper Hudson Historical Foundation Owner/director of the Cook Museum of Local History Executive Director of Billy Graham Association Crusade in Fonda in 1996 Coordinator of Operation Christmas Child for many years Gideon for many years with the Saratoga Camp where she served as Auxiliary Chaplain Televison appearance on Restoration Road with Clint Harp - Season 1, episode 7 Phyllis received the State of New York Legislative Resolution from Senator Hugh Farley and M.A. Harris in 1988, commending her upon the occasion of her designation for a special honor by the State of New York 4-H Foundation and Cornell University. She was an inspiration to many in her church, her community, her neighborhood, and her memory care facility, and was a counselor, mentor, friend, example, and true follower of Jesus Christ. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Earl, and her sister, Lois Thorne. Survivors include a son, Earl A. Keeler and a daughter, Kathy (Michael) Guzman, both of Florida; three grandchildren, Eric Keeler, Aimee Keeler, and Andrew (Amanda) Poltorak; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Lyman (Florence) White; a niece, Cheri (Marty) Sagatis; three nephews, Howard Sauve, Lyman (Bobbi) White, Jr., and John White; two sisters-in-law, Carole (Harvey) Hayner and Dorothy Pingelski; a brother-in-law, Lynn Delong; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family in the Keeler, White and Frasier families. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at noon at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc. 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johns town. Burial will follow in Foster Hill Cemetery, Galway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations that Phyllis was part of and loved: Galway Fire Department, Galway Ambulance Corp, Greater Galway Comm unity Pantry, Galway Lions Club, Galway Community Library, Galway Preservation Society, Sacandaga Bible Conference (Give – SACANDAGA BIBLE CONFERENCE), Gideons International (Gideons International I Donate), or to Cornerstone Hospice (Gift Information (donorperfect.net).

Phyllis J. Keeler

December 9, 1934 - January 11, 2024

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Phyllis J. Keeler

December 9, 1934 - January 11, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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