Valerie "Kay" Keller

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Valerie “Kay” Keller on July 3, 2025 at her home in Rockledge Fl. Kay, as everyone knew her by, was born February 23, 1938 in Clinchco, Virginia, to parents Valfred Farmer and Lillian Johnson. Kay was 87 years old. She was happily married to her loving husband “Juan Azpiri” whom she shared life with for over 37 years.

Kay, along with her previous husband founded “Fat Boys” BBQ restaurants in Cocoa, Fl. and eventually established many franchises around the country. Kay met Juan while Juan was a well known Jai alai player. Together they worked to grow the current restaurant known as “Kays BBQ” in Cocoa. Kay was known by all as a loving, caring and giving person. Through her restaurant, Kay helped support the entire community by her willingness to give to many causes. She opened her heart to law enforcement, churches, little league, people who were hurting, girls and boys soccer and baseball teams. There are so many things she supported, there is not room enough to recognize them all. During hurricanes, she and her husband Juan opened the restaurant to first responders, police, sheriff department, utility workers, and any volunteer that was working to get the affected area back up and going again. Kay had a strong faith in Jesus and was always quick to share how He was working in her life as well as others.

Kay’s career began in Cocoa, working at Central Brevard National Bank. She was a very gifted person and excelled in so many areas of life. She had many hobbies which included painting, snow skiing, water skiing, card playing, shooting pool, knitting. There was not much Kay didn’t do and she excelled at them all. The most incredible gift she possessed was her love of her husband, family and friends. She made everyone feel welcome. Her zest for life was evident in the beauty of her life and how she treated everyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Valfred Farmer; her cherished brother, Ronald Farmer; her sister-in-law, Patricia Farmer; and her beloved niece, Karen Reed. She was also preceded in death by her cherished sister and best friend, Judith Maready.

She is survived by the love of her life for over 37 years, Juan Azpiri. She will be deeply missed by her brother-in-law Vernon Maready, husband of her late sister Judith. Her nieces, Teri Lynn Bonica (Phil), Michelle Maretti (Fabio), and Laura Hansen (Eric); and her nephews, David Farmer (Carolyn) and Todd Farmer. She is also survived by her great nephews, James and Henry Reed, and their father John Reed (husband of her late niece Karen); and her great nephew, Gael (son of Fabio and Michelle). She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Maria Jesus Azpiri (Inigo) and Miren Jaione Azpiri (Luis Mario), and their children, Aritz, Jone, Arantzazu, Leire, and Itziar, along with many other loving and great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.