Barbara Gaddy Keller

Barbara Gaddy Keller died Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at her home in Prairieville, after a long illness, surrounded by family in her final days. She was 75.

Born June 2, 1949, in Ruston, Louisiana, she was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School and Nicholls State University. She also attended LSU where she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, Sigma Chapter.

Barbara was independent, stubborn, and tough, all qualities her loved ones found admirable and also annoying. It was through those qualities, though, that she taught all who knew her how to get back up on the horse after falling, both figuratively and literally. She never gave up, and when someone felt like they couldn’t go on, it was Barbara’s gentle nudge, or aggressive shove, that encouraged them to keep pushing forward with determination and grace.

From a young age, she had a love for all animals. Barbara found much happiness in riding and caring for horses, which extended into her professional life at Kleinpeter Equine Veterinary Services for many years prior to her illness. She also found joy fostering dogs for Friends of the Animals and was a foster-fail on more than one occasion. Barbara’s love and appreciation for animals was something she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Most at home in nature, Barbara was always up for adventure. She especially cherished those adventures with her grandsons at what she coined “Granny Camp.” There were no rules, certainly no parents, lots of dirt, a plethora of sweets, and even more laughter. It was in those special moments she shared her creativity, encouraged their imaginations, and showered them with love. During that sacred time, she was able to pass along life lessons that will stay with her family always.

A cherished friend who was known for her “lack of a filter,” Barbara had an uncanny way of finding humor and laughter in any situation. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed it when everyone was together, even when formal occasions devolved into organized chaos. Always the big sister, she was fiercely loyal and protective of those she loved.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Roy James Keller; two sons, Jason Grady Keller, and Jarrett Scott Keller and wife Sarah Gaar Keller; her sister Laura Kathryn Gaddy; her brother William Scott Gaddy and wife Nanci; all of Baton Rouge. She was a devoted granny to her three beloved grandsons, Hudson Grady Keller, Ethan Noble Keller, and Owen Gaar Keller. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her “best friend” Vicki Calabrese.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Carmi Gaddy, Jr. and Marion Corinne McDougald Gaddy.

The family would like to thank Tricia Addison and Angie Alphonse, her devoted caregivers, as well as the wonderful staff of The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their care and compassion during her illness.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Friends of the Animals of Baton Rouge (FOTA), P.O. Box 14871, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, or The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.