Stanley George Keller

Stan was born to Elroy and Gwen Keller on October 20, 1953. An apple man from an early age, he grew up in the orchards and warehouse and started his career with the family business. That career spanned all areas of the fruit industry, from farming to production and operations, ending in sales. Stan felt that working for Ralph Broetje wasn’t like a normal employer/employee relationship. Ralph was like family to Stan, he not only mentored Stan in the ways of the fruit industry but also in his relationship with God and the church. At the time of his passing, Stan was working with L&M Companies under the guidance of John Long. His friendship with John and the relationship they shared with the Lord was a blessing to Stan each day of his fight. His most prized accomplishments in his work life were being the first to sell a railcar of apples into Mexico City and selling the first shipment of 175,000 boxes of apples into Egypt.

Stan married Julie Ramsey in November of 1983. They had two daughters, Natalie Page and Ashlyn Ann, who were the light of his life. Stan’s proudest moments were times spent with his children and grandchildren. There wasn’t a game of event that involved his girls or grandsons that he wasn’t a part of and he cherished every moment.

As a teenager he and his partners in crime, Steve Hahn, Dave Nicksic, and Mike Walker shared the motto “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.”

While working at Washington Fruit in the early 80’s Stan met Carla Boatwright-Harrington. At that point he had no idea how important she would become to him. Two and a half years ago, God brought her back into his life. Their relationship was a source of joy and strength for him. They relied on their faith in God and love for each other to get through his cancer battle.

Stan was preceded in death by Julie Ramsey Keller and brothers Philip Keller and Gordon Keller.

He is survived by his parents, Elroy and Gwen Keller, his love and angel, Carla Boatwright-Harrington, daughters Natalie Keller and Ashlyn (Leo) Acero, grandsons Hayden and Haize Keller and Miles Acero, sisters LeAnne (Ron) Koliha and Kay (Mike) Hadley and sister-in-law Elaine Keller, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Renato Martins and the caring staff at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for the care and support. It was Stan’s wish that donations be made to Young Life in lieu of flowers.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 17th, 2018 at 10:00 am at Yakima Foursquare Church, 700 N. 40th Ave., Yakima, Washington, with reception following.

To share a memory of Stan, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.