Greenfield, MA – Vesta Ruth (Chickering) Keller, 93, formerly of Haydenville, MA passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024 at the Greenfield Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Greenfield, formerly known as Poet Seat Nursing Home.
Vesta was born in Greenfield on May 27, 1931 the daughter of Raymond L. and Bertha L. (Webster) Chickering. She graduated from Greenfield High School, class of 1949 and from Greenfield Community College, class of 1973. She graduated from GCC with High Honors and received an Associate degree in Mental Health Technology.
She was involved in the local community as an assistant at the Greenfield Library and an AV Aide and Library assistant at GCC. She was a volunteer for Hospice and a volunteer and supporter of the United ARC in Turners Falls. She was a strong advocate for the disadvantaged. Most recently she was a Paraprofessional Aide at Frontier Regional School.
She was a devoted communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church for many years having served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the choir. For over 50 years her deep faith was enriched as a member of the Northern Berkshire Chapter of the Lay Carmelites, serving as Formation Director at one time.
She is survived by her loving family; daughters Debra M. Ryan of Dalton, MA and Mary Lou A. Stone of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; sons Paul R. Keller and Charles A. Keller, both of Greenfield, her “adopted” daughter Cynthia R. Renauld-Lansing of Albany, NY; brothers Deane W. Chickering of the Villages, FL and Alfred J. Chickering of Greenfield; sisters Kathryn A. Mickle of Dalton, MA and Robin L. Durlack of Gravette, AR; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Vesta was predeceased by her husband Charles L. Keller on October 14, 1998.
A visiting hour will be held Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church at 221 Federal Street in Greenfield. Committal prayers will then be recited at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield.
Vesta’s family wishes to thank the staff of Poet’s Seat and Hospice for their care and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vesta’s name may be sent to either the United Arc, 294 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to Sisters of Visitation of Holy Mary, PO Box 432, Tyringham, MA 01264
Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jun. 10, 2024.