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Hester Mai Ladd Keller
September 21, 1921 - October 24, 2008

Mrs. Hester Ladd Keller, 87, of Jonesboro, formerly of Trumann died Friday, October 24, 2008 at Ridgecrest Health and Rehab Nursing Center in Jonesboro. Mrs. Keller was born in Cardwell, MO., and had lived in Trumann for 61 years and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Trumann. Mrs. Keller graduated from Arkansas State University in 1963 majoring in Elementary education. She taught school for over 30 years at Cardwell, Mo., in the Southland School system where she was known as Mrs. Hester Mai. She was an avid reader who loved to work word puzzles. She was awarded the Literacy Teacher Award for NEA while volunteering at the Trumann Elementary School. Mrs. Keller was preceded in death by her husband, Dorse Keller, and her parents, James Fountain and Annie Mai Lester Ladd; three sisters, Wayver Brewer, Edith Ruthford, and Naomi Elmore and one brother, Debs Ladd. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. James L. and Caroline Keller of Greenville, S. Carolina; three grandchildren, Dixie Ladd Keller, James Venable Keller and Gabrielle Keller. Funeral services will be Tuesday morning October 28, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann with Rev. Charles Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Keller

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  1. Missy Price, Trumann, AR says
    October 30, 2008

    Jim,My mother and I were so sad to hear of your mom's passing. I remember many times spent at your house in Trumann with your parents and your mother being so kind. I also remember her letting play with your little dog, Trixie. Our prayers are with you at this time.Sincerely,Missy (Turner) Price & Patsy Turner

  2. Melissa (Brewer) Davis, Columbia, Mo. says
    October 30, 2008

    Jimmy Ladd and Family:Aunt Hester Mai was one of my Great Aunts and I always thought the title of "Great" Aunt was so appropriate! At 16, I spent the night at Aunt Naomi's house when Aunt Hester Mai and my Granmama (Wayver) were there too. I’ll never forget how much those “grown-ups” laughed and giggled all night long!I also had the pleasure of spending some memorable weekends with Aunt Hester Mai and Uncle Dorse riding horses, playing with Trixie and the goats, and checking out the Wagon Wheel! My love and prayers to you and your family.Melissa

  3. jan (sissom) brizendine, jefferson city, mo says
    October 29, 2008

    Mrs. Keller was my 5ht grade teacher and I loved her! She was always a kind lady and beautiful inside and out. She was such a lovely person. I am so blessed to have known her as a teacher and friend. My prayers for you comfort during this time. Jan

  4. Garry Brewer, Springfield, TN says
    October 27, 2008

    My sincere sympathy to the family. Hester Mai was one of our teachers in the 8th grade. She was also the sister of my aunt Waver Brewer. Again, my condolences to the family. Garry Brewer

  5. John and Wanda Wright, San Antonio, TX says
    October 27, 2008

    Jimmy Ladd:Please accept my most sincere regrets in the passing of your mother.I got out some of the photos I have of her and remember how kind and soft spoken we always was. I have some from the trip to Ft. Smith when we were playing baseball.It was an honor to know and love her.John and Wanda Wright

  6. Harold, Carolyn Turpin, Saint Louis, MO says
    October 27, 2008

    We would like to offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Keller family.

  7. Jo Ann, Tulsa says
    October 27, 2008

    When those sisters got together it was so much fun! Mike and I had the best time with them at Mama Ladd's. I have great memories of the Wagon Wheel and staying with Hess.

  8. Elizabeth (Bettye Harrison) Wilcox, Rock Hill, SC says
    October 27, 2008

    I had Mrs. Hester Mai in the eighth grade at Cardwell. She was a lovely, gracious teacher, and I remember her history classes well. Interestly her only son lives not too far from me now. Peace to all who knew her.

  9. Lucille (Hutchens)Grimaldi, California says
    October 26, 2008

    Miss Hester was my teacher at Cardwell. I remember her sweet quiet manner. My condolences to her Family. Lucille Hutchens Grimaldi

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