Julie A. Keller

Julie (Meyer) Keller, age 73, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family. She died almost forty years to the day of the passing of her hero and favorite person, her beloved father, Virgil.

Born in 1952 in Elkhart, Indiana, Julie grew up in Ashland, Ohio. She was a dancer and excellent singer with a rebellious streak who enjoyed performing in musicals, choirs, and singing for a bar band as a teen and young adult. Julie attended Ashland University (then College) where she met her husband, Rob, and lifelong friends who became family.

After graduation, Julie and Rob were married in 1976 in Ashland. Julie began her career as an elementary school teacher and she and Rob later relocated to Toledo, and then ultimately Sylvania, Ohio. Julie then taught at Pike-Delta-York Elementary School where she was proud to teach and support migrant students and their families. After the birth of her second child, Julie made the decision to retire from teaching to focus on raising her family. During this time she also enjoyed crafting, and creating an array of holiday-themed decorations and clothing that she often sold at craft fairs or gave to friends. Julie was also a skilled sewer; she often made matching outfits for her children and their cousin, Sarah, and always produced custom Halloween costumes. Even if the inspiration for said costumes rarely struck until the eleventh hour, she would always get it done!

She was known for her humor and quick wit, generosity, creativity, resourcefulness, tenacity, astute eye and good taste, strong opinions, and high standards - and she loved nothing more than finding a good deal. She was friendly and welcoming, an excellent cook who always fed anyone who happened to be at the house when she wasn't hosting themed parties and get-togethers. She deeply loved and fully supported her children, their friends, and her extended family and friends. Julie advocated for her children's needs and was in attendance at every activity, often transporting her and their friends as well. She also frequently volunteered to tangibly help with those activities in some way, whether it be hosting team dinners, sewing costumes for the musicals, or a myriad of other contributions. For everyone fortunate enough to be loved by Julie, she was steadfast and consistent in her support.

Julie was preceded in death by her father, Virgil; mother, Marjorie; brother, John, and her favorite cat, Max. She is survived by her husband, Rob; her sister, Jan; her son, Andy and Andy's wife Cindy, and her daughter Lizzie and Lizzie's husband Tim. She is also survived by many extended family, friends, and neighbors whom she loved like family, and her beloved grandpets, Jemma and Mango.

The Keller Family wishes to thank the kind staff at Flower Hospital and Hospice of Northwest Ohio Ebeid Hospice Center, and our friends, family, and neighbors who have provided support during this difficult time. A private event in celebration of Julie's life will be planned with details circulated soon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Julie's memory to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, the Toledo Humane Society, or the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities.