Patricia Keller

Patricia “Pat” Keller (nee Erwin), 73, of Vermilion, took God's hand where he led her home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Stein Hospice in Sandusky after a lengthy illness.

She was born February 24, 1952, in Portsmouth, OH and had made Vermilion her home for the past 33 years, moving from Zanesville, OH.

Pat graduated from Eastern Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and did post-graduate work at Wright State University. She earned licensure to teach children with multiple handicaps from preschool to high school.

Pat dedicated her life to teaching and to lifting others up. She began her career with Zanesville City Schools, later sharing her compassion and expertise at Starlight School-part of the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities-then at Sandusky High School, and finally at Northpoint Educational Services Center, where she retired as a special education teacher. In 2004, Pat received the "Heart Award" for her excellent work with students and for contributions to her Educational Service Center.

Pat had a remarkable gift for meeting people exactly where they were, offering patience, kindness, and unwavering encouragement. Her students and colleagues alike remember her as a steady, loving presence. The love everyone saw and felt was genuine and part of every fiber of her being. True to her beliefs of serving others before self, she donated her body to the Cleveland Clinic, hoping she could be a small part of the solution for someone else's life.

A woman of strong Christian faith, Pat was a devoted member of The Chapel in Sandusky. Her faith guided her daily life and shaped the way she treated others-with grace, generosity, humility, and genuine love. Pat hosted Bible studies in her home and found deep strength and comfort in Scripture. Preceding her death, Pat recognized her earthly journey was nearing its end but she faced this without fear and looked forward to being embraced by her Savior.

Pat was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Family was the center of her world. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and delighted in supporting them in their lives and interests. No matter what she faced, Pat’s gentle and giving spirit never wavered; she remained steadfast, caring, and truly loving both personally and professionally.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce Keller of Vermilion; her son, Brian Keller of Lorain; her daughter, Kristin (Rick) Anthony of North Olmsted; her beloved grandchildren, Brady, Brooklynn, and Bryce Keller, and Gianna and Vinny Anthony; and her brother, Michael Erwin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Emma (nee Secrest) Erwin, and her brother, Charles Gammon.

The Kellers wish to commend The Hospice of the Western Reserve/Stein Hospice for all the services provided and the extraordinary and loving professionals who provided exquisite care and comfort.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Vern Giesbrecht will officiate.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (include "in memory of Patricia Keller" in memo line); or online at donations@michaeljfox.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com

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