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.
Returning to the US in 1973, Ann re-settled in Broken Bow with her family. She became a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she served in many capacities, playing the organ, serving on Guild and volunteering.
Ann went on to re-marry. After working as Head of Medical Records at the UNL Student Health Center in Lincoln, Ann married Willard W. Keller of Broken Bow on Aug. 4, 1979, in Lincoln.
Ann and Willard were married for 33 years until Willard’s death in 2012. The two were avid nature lovers and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing together. Ann remained active and involved in these pursuits her entire married life.
Ann also enjoyed supporting Nebraska football and attending home games. She participated in the One Box Pheasant Hunt as a host and volunteer and continued to travel the world. Ann traveled to Canada for fishing, Ireland and Scotland for golfing, and took several tours of Europe. She also spent many happy years fishing each Spring in Toledo Bend.
Ann welcomed many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to spend precious time with the family she treasured.
In her later years, Ann sought out volunteer opportunities to which she could contribute her gifts of cheerfulness and encouragement. Ann chose to volunteer in the area of hospice, giving comfort and companionship to those whom she visited.
Ann also volunteered at the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitor Center and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the Sandhills.
Ann was preceded in death by parents Clifford and Alma Lomax; brother Homer and sister-in-law Joyce Lomax; husband David; husband Willard; niece Leslie McClymont; stepdaughters Willa Dowse and Nelda Terrv. and grandson David Schwisow.
Ann is survived by daughter Elizabeth Wilson Ghali, son Charles Wilson and daughter Stephanie Wilson Gray; niece Connie Lomax Pearson; stepdaughters Sharon Keller Schmid, Carolyne Keller Jezbera and Beverly Keller Schwisow. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Ann will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church Saturday, May 27, at 11 a.m. followed by luncheon at The First Presbyterian Church of Broken Bow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in Ann’s memory to Cottey College (Nebraska Scholarship Fund), c/o Carole Johnson at [email protected], or by mail to Carole Johnson, 1931 South E, Broken Bow, NE 68822.
