Margie Jean Keller

Our beloved Margie, being at peace with God’s appointed call for her life and certain that better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. While loved ones surrounded her bedside, with courage and grace, Margie went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Born to Louis Taylor and Lillian Winn, Margie Jean Taylor entered this world on February 19, 1935, in Muskogee, Oklahoma and was the eldest of nine children. Margie moved to Oregon with her family in 1942, where she obtained her elementary education at Gals Lake Elementary School in Vanport, Oregon and later attended Lincoln High School. In her younger years, Margie worked for the YMCA. She spent fifteen (15) years of employment with Nabisco, where she retired. After retirement, Margie became a Foster Respite Caregiver for children at Albertina Kerr.

Margie had seven (7) beautiful children. In 1953, she married Leon McPherson and to this union four (4) children were born. She later married John Keller in 1965 and to that union three (3) children were born. You may be thinking, “What a large family!” However, to Margie this was perfect, as she would always tell her children how much she enjoyed being a mother. They believed her because it was evident in the way she loved them! As a matter of fact, Margie was the “Oregon Mother of the Year” in 1994. Not only did Margie love her children, but she loved, loved, loved her grandchildren, and babysat them all. They were her life! She would always say, “We have a good family.”

Her hands were rarely still. She loved gardening, cooking, sewing, decorating her home and she always kept a glass of wine. She was such a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman! Truth be told, Margie Jean was simply an all-around genuine and amazing caregiver. Her home was always open to everyone and she consistently shared her love and positive outlook with her family and friends. It suited her servant heart.

Yes, Margie was loving yet she always told you the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. But those same words of constructive criticism, encouragement and wisdom is what kept us in line as a family. Everyone always knew we could get the truth from Grandma. She will truly be missed.

Her legacy of love will continue to be cherished by her Children: Durwin (Phillis), Donnie (Brenda), Shannon (Robert), Johnny, Terence and Lisa ( Keith). Lest we forget her son, Donald, who preceded her in death; Grandchildren: Don Jr., Jonathan, Rakiah, Sean, Deandrae, Jeray, Tyra, Terina, DeLon, Terence, Jayana, Breonna, Tyson and Trey; 17 Great-Grandchildren; Siblings: Hylda Jackson, Lynda Vaughn, Louis Taylor and Criss Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death are Parents: Louis Taylor and Lillian & Oscar Crumble; Sisters: Louise Grogan & June Edmundson; Brothers: Kenneth Crumble & Edward Crumble.