Itha K. Keller

Itha Kaye Keller, 80, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Dec. 26, 2020.

She was born Dec. 24, 1940, in DeQueen, Ark., to Dewey and Dorothy (Long) Stafford.

Kaye was a fun-loving woman with a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful voice and a love of singing. She was loved by all who met her and was adored by her family.

Early in her life, she and her sister co-owned and operated their family restaurant in DeQueen, Ark., for many years. After the beloved restaurant was closed, Kaye pursued a career in nursing home administration, where she worked until she retired. After she retired, Kaye still had the need for socializing and making people smile. She missed singing to her residents at the nursing homes, so she started her own karaoke business, where she traveled to nursing homes, restaurants, private parties and clubs. During this time, she met many wonderful people and continued her mission to make people smile through her singing and them singing themselves. Kaye will be missed by many friends, former coworkers and family.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her daughter, Suzie Carter ( Rex Tolleson); sons, Tracy Petet, Mike Petet; sister, Gaylene Gibson; granddaughter, Brittany Fell; great-grandchildren, Carley and Carter Fell; niece, Tonya Hendrix (Chris); nephew, Tim Gibson; great- nephews, Tyler Hendrix, Tommy Birmingham; and great-niece, Stormy Garza.

Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.