Kathy Jane (Grove) Keller

Kathy Jane (Grove) Keller, age 82, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Born on July 6, 1942, in Canton, Illinois, she was the daughter of Cecil and Gertie Grove of Bryant, Illinois. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Michael J. Keller, stepson Michael Bruce Keller (Debbie) of New Windsor, Illinois, stepdaughter Jayne Keller (Jim Parker) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, sister Sherry Williams (Jim) of Suwanee, Georgia, niece Amy Perkins (Jeff) of Johns Creek, Georgia, grandson Jonathon Keller of Bartonville, Illinois, and granddaughter Breana Keller of New Windsor, Illinois.

Kathy spent most of her adult life in the Peoria area, working at Caterpillar for 13 years. She and Mike were married for 29 wonderful years, after an efficient 17-year courtship. Mike finally proposed under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, where Kathy, likely overwhelmed by the romance (or just jet lag), shockingly said yes.

In 1990, she and Mike embarked on a new adventure as the proud owners of gourmet coffee and tea shops, Leaves 'n Beans and Mocha Joe's. This was a perfect fit, as Kathy was a coffee enthusiast, and enjoyed teaching classes about coffee at Illinois Central College.

A talented musician, she often performed in local theater productions, dazzling audiences with her skills. She was also a fantastic cook, known for preparing meals with great care (some might say agonizingly slowly). Her patience extended to all creatures, including the four-legged freeloaders who frequently wandered onto her porch and somehow convinced her to adopt them.

She was a loyal friend, an avid reader, and possessed a razor-sharp wit that kept everyone on their toes. Kathy will be remembered for many things—especially her humor, her kindness, and her uncanny ability to turn any situation into a great story.

There will be a celebration of life at Leaves 'n Beans, 4800 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to TAPS (Tazewell Animal Protective Society), 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL, 61554 or to The A.R.K. Humane Society, 477 State Route 26, Lacon, IL 61540. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS)
100 Taps Lane, Pekin IL 61554

The A.R.K. Humane Society
477 State Route 26, Lacon IL 61540