Ann Keller
On the morning of
Feb. 17, 2023, Ann Louise Keller (nee Lomax) was received peacefully into the arms of God, surrounded by family in Topeka, Kansas. She was 95 years old.
Ann was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 21, 1927, the second child of Alma and Clifford Lomax. Ann’s family moved soon after and began farming on land homesteaded by her maternal grandfather near Broken Bow. Ann spent a happy childhood riding horses and became an accomplished piano player.
She attended Broken Bow High School and, in her senior year, was named BBHS’s first Football Queen. She began her studies at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1945. She joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and worked as a reporter for the Lincoln Star. On July 29, 1949, Ann graduated with a BA in Music.
After graduating, Ann moved back to Broken Bow and began work for the Custer County Chief. Her abilities landed her several notable interviews with national figures and with the success of her career as a journalist, Ann made the decision to further her education.
She moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan in pursuit of a master’s degree in Journalism. There she met and married (Rev.) David K. Wilson and the two moved to Oakland, Calif. where David attended Seminary and where Ann’s first child was born.
After ordination, Ann and David served the Episcopal church beginning in Boulder City, Nev. As Ann’s family grew, she became a member of PEO and enjoyed raising her three children. In 1969 the family emigrated to England, where Ann studied the Russian language and became an expert tailor.
Ann (Lomax) Keller 1927 - 2023 Returning to the US chose to volunteer in the in 1973, Ann re-settled area of hospice, giving in Broken Bow with comfort and companionship her family. She became to those whom she a member of St. John’s visited.
Episcopal Church where Ann also volunteered she served in many capacities, at the Sandhills Journey playing the organ, National Scenic Byway serving on Guild and Visitor Center and enjoyed volunteering. sharing her knowledge
Ann went on to re-marry. of the Sandhills. After working as Head Ann was preceded in of Medical Records at death by parents Clifford the UNL Student Health and Alma Lomax; brother Center in Lincoln, Ann Homer and sister-in-law married Willard W. Keller Joyce Lomax; husband of Broken Bow on Aug. 4, David; husband Willard; 1979, in Lincoln. niece Leslie McClymont;
Ann and Willard were stepdaughters Willa married for 33 years until Dowse and Nelda Terrv. Willard’s death in 2012. and grandson David
The two were avid nature Schwisow. lovers and enjoyed hunting, Ann is survived by fishing and golfing daughter Elizabeth Wilson together. Ann remained Ghali, son Charles active and involved in Wilson and daughter these pursuits her entire Stephanie Wilson Gray; married life. niece Connie Lomax
Ann also enjoyed Pearson; stepdaughters supporting Nebraska Sharon Keller Schmid, football and attending Carolyne Keller Jezbera home games. She participated and Beverly Keller in the One Box Schwisow. She is also Pheasant Hunt as a host survived by 18 grandchildren and volunteer and continued and 18 great-grandchildren. to travel the world.
Ann traveled to Canada A memorial service for for fishing, Ireland and Ann will take place at St. Scotland for golfing, and John’s Episcopal Church took several tours of Europe. Saturday, May 27, at 11 She also spent many a.m. followed by luncheon happy years fishing each at The First Presbyterian Spring in Toledo Bend. Church of Broken Bow.
Ann welcomed many In lieu of flowers, grandchildren and please consider a donation great-grandchildren and made in Ann’s never missed an opportunity memory to Cottey College to spend precious (Nebraska Scholarship time with the family she Fund), c/o Carole Johnson treasured. at cmsjoy2@gmail.
In her later years, Ann com, or by mail to Carole sought out volunteer Johnson, 1931 South E, opportunities to which Broken Bow, NE 68822. she could contribute her “Blessed are those who gifts of cheerfulness and mourn, for they will be encouragement. Ann comforted.”