Rusty Keller

Irvin Neil “Rusty” Keller, 77, of Rigby, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He was born July 19, 1935, in Rigby, to Irvin William Keller and Birdie Marie Bills Keller. He was raised and attended schools in the Rigby and Clark areas. He served in the US Army from 1957 to 1959. He was married to Connie Swensen from October 4, 1961 to October of 1981. He then married Chris Stewart, they were later divorced. On November 21, 1989 he married Debra Monson in Elko, Nevada, they later divorced. He worked for Challenge Dairy, Logan Farm Equipment in Idaho Falls, and Plover, Wisconsin Ricks College in Rexburg, for Ray Miles as a Horse Trainer, and for Foster Cattle. He was also self employed shoeing horses, welding, training race horses and as an outfitter. Rusty was a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was involved in the Eastern Idaho State Fair; overseeing the light horses, volunteered in horse 4-H and spent countless hours helping his son and daughter prepare for horse shows, high school rodeo’s and queen contests; judging and outriding. He enjoyed hunting, photography, and reloading and riding. He is survived by his daughters, KayLyn (Mike) Lovell, of Idaho Falls, Debbie Lou “Punks” (Dave) Burgess, of Soldotna, Alaska, son, Rusty Don “RD” (Debbie) Keller, of Pocatello, sisters, Ella Mae (Ivan) Bruderer, of Auburn, Wyoming, Marjean (Lynn) Doody, of Tacoma, Washington, Joyce (Gary) Jenks, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, brother, Dwain Keller, of Rigby, and grandchildren, Logan Kade Thompson, and Jessica Lyn Thompson, both of Idaho Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Gary Jenks. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Clark Ward LDS Chapel, 198 N. 4300 E., Rigby, with Bishop Kent Rolfe conducting. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby, and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Rusty’s family extend special thanks to the staff and residents of Turtle & Crane in Idaho Falls for the loving and compassionate service given to Rusty.