Mrs. Bette Ann Keller passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022. She was born in Advance, Indiana on May 15, 1922, to the late Nathaniel Ross “Ace” and Frances Marie (Lucas) Caldwell.
Bette was a graduate of Lebanon High School. At 19 she eloped to South Carolina and married Russell Clare Hicks in 1942. With Clare, Bette loved traveling, socializing and having fun. After Clare’s tragic accidental death at a young age in 1954, Bette later married Miller Keller in 1956 with whom she was active in the Shriners, Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby.
Bette worked as a proofreader for Saturday Evening Post, Children’s Playmate and Highlights magazine for many years. Later, she worked for Witham Hospital in the administrative offices.
A longtime Lebanon resident, Bette loved to ride around town on her three wheeled trike with its custom made ‘Hardley Davidson’ license plate. She especially looked forward to riding the trike in the Lebanon 4th of July parade each year, which she continued to do well into her 90’s. Even at 100 years of age, Bette rode a stationary “trike”.
Bette will be remembered by friends and family for her fun loving, offbeat sense of humor and her strong spirit.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell Clare Hicks; husband, Miller Keller; brothers: Bob and Bill; sister: Rosie; infant daughter, Penelope Hicks; and son: Kerry Keller.
She is survived by sons; Dan (Debbie) Hicks, Barry (Amy Lacy) Hicks and nieces, Kitty Gary) Hill, Cathy and Christy; nephew: Steve; grandchildren: Brandon, Devon, and Elizabeth Hicks; and five great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Zionsville Meadows for their friendly and compassionate care
Memorial services are planned for Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. until the time of services. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with her cremation arrangements.
