HR0714 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0714 LRB104 20849 RMO 34451 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dorothy Jane Cobb Keller of Jacksonville, who passed away on January 22, 2026, with burial taking place at Jacksonville Calvary Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller was born to Charles and Helen Graef Cobb in Jacksonville on February 1, 1929; she attended Our Saviour Grade School and graduated from what is now Routt Catholic High School in 1947; she continued her education at Illinois College and was an active member of Gamma Delta Literary Society, serving as president during her junior year; she earned a degree in English in 1951, graduating with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa; she married Paul Keller in Jacksonville in 1955; and

WHEREAS, WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller taught fourth grade at South Jacksonville Grade School; she dedicated several years to teaching reading classes at Our Saviour Grade School; she later served as a substitute teacher at various local schools, a role she found deeply rewarding; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller participated in numerous civic, church, and arts organizations, including the Morgan County Democrats, Catholic Daughters of America, Right to Life, the NAACP, the Jacksonville Theatre Guild, and the League of Women Voters, where she served as president; she and Paul were committed advocates for civil rights beginning in the 1960s and were recognized by the Jacksonville African American Museum at its 2022 opening; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller took her role as family matriarch seriously; she and her husband raised their children in her maternal grandmother's former home; she was a devoted caregiver to her grandmother, parents, and aunt; she lovingly cared for her husband until his passing in 2004; she was devoted to her children and grandchildren, attending many sporting events and continuing to be a fan of local teams; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller never stopped making new friends, and her social calendar was always full; she showcased her hostess skills in the many gatherings held in her home, including New Year's Eve and election night parties, card games with her bridge group, and many family functions; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her sisters, Lois Maloney, Catherine Kazmierczak, and Helen Jones; her brother-in-law, Bill Maloney; her brother and sister-in-law Alvin (Doris) Keller; her sisters-in-law, Betty Cobb and Emily Keller; and her nephews, Bradley Jones and Steve Keller; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Keller is survived by her children, Dirk Keller, Chris (Leigh Ann) Keller, Julie (John) Mangano, and Lisa (Scott) Reed; her brother, Tony Cobb; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dorothy Jane Cobb Keller and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dorothy Keller as an expression of our deepest sympathy.