Ernestine Keller

Ernestine Coeta Marie Keller, "Teeny" passed away at her home in the Commons on July 2, 2020.  Her passing was peaceful and came after several months of declining health.  She was 92 years old.

Teeny was born "A Dustbowl Baby" on November 22,1927 in Baca County, CO. to Ernie and Jenny Hoover.  Teeny was proud of her dustbowl heritage and had many memories of those very hard times.  Teeny grew up in Pritchett, CO. and attended school in Springfield, CO graduating from Springfield High School in 1945.

In 1946 her brother-in-law brought a friend from Buffalo, New York, home from the war.  Teeny and C.O. met, fell in love and were married on her birthday in 1946.  Two sons soon followed, Mike in 1947 and Chuck in 1949.  Through the years they lived in Springfield CO,Buffalo NY., Moab Utah, Denver CO and Grand Junction CO.

Teeny was a homemaker, mother and "Girl Friday" to C.O.  There was much traveling and entertaining in her life, and she was able to get it all done while still being a huge part of her boy's lives.  Teeny was quick to laugh, loved to laugh and could always make a good time better.  She will truly be missed by many, and her passing will be felt for a long time.

Teeny moved to the Commons (known in her family as the Teeny Town) in 2008 and was one of their longest residents.  She had a cottage which she loved for 10 years, and in 2018 she moved into "the big house".  The care, the compassion and the kindness which she received from the Commons staff has been remarkable.  We will never be able to thank them for all they did to make her 12 years there so comfortable.  We would also like to thank Hope West, who helped her caregivers make her last weeks as easy as possible.

Teeny was preceded in death by her son Mike in 1965 and her husband C.O. in 2007 .  She is survived by her son Chuck (Debbie), her granddaughter Brenda(Rick) Lebeck, and grandsons Brad (Stephanie) Keller and Jonathan (Cassie) Keller, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A small family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in Teeny's name to Hope West; 3090 North 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, CO 81506.