Julie Keller

Co-founder of Keller’s Gifts, Julie Keller passed away in her Modesto home on February 27 at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Ervin Keller. Julie was born in Oakland, CA, on May 3, 1923, to John and Matilda Cambra and graduated from San Leandro High School. She met Erv at a local dance for American servicemen, and the two were married the following year, in August 1942. In 1951, the family moved from Castro Valley to Modesto, where Erv and Julie opened the first Keller’s Gift & Variety store in 1956. In the early years of the company, when Erv was still a traveling salesman, Julie ran the store by herself. She was a working mother, which was unique at the time, and took great pride in the company’s success. Their years of hard work culminated in the two-floor Keller’s Gifts store in McHenry Village, where it stood for 38 years before closing in 2016. Erv eventually became the face of the company, but Julie continued to work just as hard behind the scenes and became known herself as “the bookkeeper.” It was also Julie’s artistic instincts and flare that propelled the store’s popularity. Julie and Erv retired together at age 80.

Julie found her greatest joy spending time with her grandchildren, all of whom are forever indebted to her for her perennial generosity. Julie also took great delight in ballroom dancing, playing bridge with her favorite group for over 50 years, and cooking her highly anticipated Thanksgiving dinner for her daughters’ families. Julie is survived by daughters Joyce and Cherie; her four grandchildren, Joshua Fine (Laurie Mason), David Fine, Stephanie Hoyle (Jamie), and Jennifer Ingle (Brett); as well as four great grandchildren, Brady, Gracie, Annabelle, and Ellie.

The family extends its sincerest thanks to Meyland Gomez, Tiffany Sweetser, Razia Nisha, and Erica Ali for their loving and compassionate care during Julie’s final two years. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on, Monday, March 12 in the Heritage Chapel at the Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson. Remembrances can be made to the American Heart Association.