Mary (French) Keltner

March 22, 1940 ~ May 26, 2025

Mary Ann Keltner, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 26. 2025. entering eternal rest with her Lord and Savior and reuniting with her beloved family who passed before her.

Mary was born on March 22, 1940, at Mother Neff Park to Andy French and Birdie Raborn French. She began her long and dedicated career with Crawford ISD on October 1, 1979 and retired on May 16, 2008 just shy of completing 30 years of service.

In her earlier years, Mary enjoyed gardening, farming and hunting. Her greatest joy however was her family. She loved hearing endless stories of her grandchildren and would end every phone conversation with, "give them all hugs and tell them how much their granny loves them".

A devout Baptist Christian, Mary found comfort in her faith. When she could no longer attend church in Valley Mills, she devoted her Sunday mornings to watching First Baptist Church of Waco on television.

She was also a talented musician, teaching choir at a young age in church, teaching Sunday school and playing the piano. But most of all were the many cherished moments spent with her siblings, singing and playing the guitar among many other instruments.

During her tenure, Mary developed a deep admiration for President George W. Bush, often sharing heartfelt stories of the President, First Lady Laura Bush and members of the press during their visits to the school.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Keltner, her son, and Robert Carl Olson.  Also her brothers and sisters:  Billy, A.L., Elmer, Sammy, Jerry, Bonnie, Shirley, and Juanita.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted daughter Lori Roedler-Johnson, and her husband, Charles Johnson; stepdaughter Gwen Keltner Kitchens and husband William F Kitchens (2 Children & 3 Grandchildren), stepsons Richard Duane Keltner and wife Neva (6 Children & 10 Grandchildren) and David C Keltner (7 Children & 13 Grandchildren), her granddaughter, Amber Sutherland and husband Jeff; grandsons Brandon Roedler and wife, Monica, and Jeff Olson and wife, Desiree; and nine additional great-grandchildren who were the light of her life.

In honor of Mary's memory flowers may be sent to Foss Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the George Bush Presidential Library - a tribute to the former President she held in such high regard .

Mary Keltner Memorial Video

A memorial service and graveside will be held 11 AM Saturday, June 7, at Eagle Springs Cemetery under the direction of Foss Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

A reception will follow the service at the Cemetery.

The family invites you to sign the online guestbook at www.fossfuneralhome.com or in person at the funeral home.