Shirley Ruth Keller, age 75, of Knoxville, passed away Friday, July 4, 2003 at her home. Born in Chicago, IL, she devoted her life to being a true civic leader. She was a member of the League of Women Voters for almost a half of a century. Prior to moving to Knoxville, she served two terms as President for the Cook County, IL LWV where she initiated a civic education curriculum on practical politics and also served on several civic committees. After moving to Knoxville, she served two terms as President of the Knoxville/Knox County LWV where she also introduced the practical politics curriculum and served on various committees. She served as the Voter Editor for both the local and state LWV and was author of the two editions of Knox County governments. This book has been widely used as a tool for educating the public on local government. In 1994, she was appointed Colonel Aide de Camp of the Governor’s staff for the state of Tennessee. She was a member and news letter editor for the Tennesseans for Fair Taxation Coalition and a participant in Leadership Knoxville. In addition to her many civic contributions, she was a supporter of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera Company and the University of Tennessee. She is preceded in death by husband of 49 years, Kurt J. Keller; and survived by daughters Kathy Keller and Karen Murray; son-in-law Robert Murray; sister-in-law Anita Clark; niece Margie Burch and nephew Mark Clark; grandnieces and grandnephews; and many cousins and friends. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, Friday, July 11, 2003 with Ernie Coleman, Chaplain officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the League of Women Voters Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 31825, Knoxville, TN 37930, Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, 2918 Magnolia Ave., Suite 150, Knoxville, TN 37914, or Jewish United Fund, 1 S. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60606. Family will receive friends at home following the service. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.
