Karen Keller

Karen Marie (Wellington) Keller, age 57, of Portage, MI passed away Monday, May 15, at Bronson Hospital. Karen was born Oct. 19, 1959, to Ruth Wellington and the late Robert (Bob) Wellington. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1978 and immediately went to work at Fabri-Kal Corp. where she became a printer operator. Later she worked more than 20 years at Cytec as a chemical operator and had recently returned to work at Fabri-Kal. Throughout her career, Karen was a proud Union member holding several officer positions and fighting selflessly for her Union members. On Aug. 9, 1986, she married Chris Keller and on June 22, 1993 their son Travis was born. Karen loved her family, her swimming pool, going to the beach and rock-n-roll concerts. She enjoyed drinking white Russians, hosting summer pool parties and starting her day off with a refreshing Coke . An avid roller coaster enthusiast, she couldn't wait for the annual trip to Cedar Point with her family. She lived life to the fullest and will be remembered most for her hearty laughter, her generosity, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She will be missed tremendously. In addition to her husband Chris and son Travis of Portage, Karen is survived by her mother Ruth Wellington, of Portage; mother-in-law, Jan (Dave) Jager, of Grand Rapids; father-in-law, Philip (Maricel) Keller, of Destin, FL.; brothers Brad Wellington of Kalamazoo, Matt (Pam) Wellington of Saginaw, and Rob (Lori) Wellington of Oshtemo; sister Melissa (Jeff) Johns of Portage; sister-in-law Coleen Buren of Plainwell; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her father Bob Wellington and sister Cindy Overacker. In the near future the family will host a gathering to celebrate Karen's life.

A celebration of life will be held at Indian Run Golf Club Banquet Facility, 6359 RS Avenue East, Scotts, MI 49088, on Saturday July 1, 2017 at 2:00 pm. There will be a service from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm followed by an open house from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, an account is set up for Karen's son Travis Keller to help with college expenses. Memorial donations may be made out and sent to Karen's sister Melissa Johns, 1210 Lakeview Drive, Portage, MI, 49002.