Gail Avery Keller

July 25, 1950 – January 7, 2026

Gail Avery Keller, a woman of profound faith, musical spirit, and deep devotion to her family, passed away on January 7, 2026 in Dublin, Ohio. Born on July 25, 1950, to the late Douglas and Jean Avery, Gail was the eldest of three children and was preceded in death by her sister, Joy Avery Meeker.

Gail grew up alongside Joy and their brother, Ed Avery, in a household where life was never dull. Her family will long share the crazy stories of her youth - from the time they outran a bear in Yellowstone National Park to the day she broke her ankle while ice skating on the Scioto River.

Gail was a proud 1972 graduate of Miami University, where she earned her degree in Music Education. During her time in Oxford, she was an active member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and shared her voice with the Choraliers choral group. Her passion for music led to her first job as a music teacher at Windermere Elementary School in Upper Arlington, a role that led her to the love of her life. While planning a lesson on Script Ohio, Gail jokingly mentioned in a PTO meeting that she wouldn't mind help from someone "tall, dark, handsome, and single." A mutual friend took the hint, passed along a phone number, and so began a beautiful 52-year marriage to her husband, Jeffrey Keller.

Following her time in the classroom, Gail brought her organizational talents to the Columbus LIfe Underwriters Association, where she served as Executive Secretary from 1982 to 1997.

Gail was a longtime and active member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Worthington and later, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin. Her Christian faith was her compass; she lived out her values through service and a compassionate heart, finding great joy in her church fellowship and the hymns she held dear.

Gail was a devoted mother to her daughter, Kristany Berger, and a loving mother-in-law to Greg Berger. While she held many titles, her role as "Grandma" was her greatest pride. She was a constant, nurturing presence in her grandchildren’s lives. She shared a particularly whimsical bond with Zoey (11) through their many projects, where Gail acted as the resident "stuffie veterinarian," patiently patching up beloved stuffed animals. With Zachary (14), her favorite moments were his famous bear hugs - the kind that could last for several minutes and Zach was never the first one to let go.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband, Jeffrey; her daughter, Kristany (Greg) Berger; her grandchildren, Zachary and Zoey; and her brother Ed (Laurie) Avery. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Fred (Cathy) Keller and Kevin (Cheryl) Keller, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Service Information: Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gail’s life and faith on Friday, January 16, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 5475 Brand Rd, Dublin, OH 43017.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM with a Funeral Service at 6:00 PM. A light dinner will be served at the church immediately following the service.

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gail’s name to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Organ Fund, honoring her lifelong passion for music and her church home. Contributions can be made online at: https://onrealm.org/princeofpeacedublin/-/form/give/organ