Obituary for Zella “Luan” Keltch

Luan Keltch

October 7, 1935 – January 6, 2023

Mrs. Zella Luan Keltch, age 87, of Richardson, Texas entered this life on October 7, 1935 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. She was the loving only child and the pride and joy of the late Virgil E. Lucas and Sarah Elizabeth Owens Lucas. She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, George Francis Keltch, on November 23, 1952 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. This loving union was blessed with three sons; Rad Owens, George Jr., David Lucas, and a long awaited daughter, Sarah Luan. She and her devoted husband lived throughout the United States due to George’s job calling them to different cities, residing in Atlanta, Ga, Jackson, MS, San Antonio, TX, and Anaheim, CA before laying down permanent roots in Richardson, TX in 1976.

As a young girl, Luan (her preferred name), enjoyed traveling around the country with her parents to attend her mother’s professional bowling tournaments. It was during these road trips that her love of reading grew. She was an avid daily reader until the very end; starting every morning with the Lord’s word, followed by the local newspaper and crossword puzzle, and finally a novel to end her day. Her love of reading led her to attend Texas Women’s University for two years where she studied Library Science. Aside from reading, she was also an avid gardener and baker; passions that she passed on to her offspring. When it came to indoor gardening, she was always quick to remind novices of the importance of talking to the plants and reminding them that you love them. Her love of baking led her to open a Southern Maid Donuts franchise in the 1980’s. Her employees became family, often having a seat at holiday dinners, even after she closed the shop. Luan’s greatest pride came from caring for others and mothering not just the children she bore, but any child that came into her home.

Luan passed peacefully from this life listening to “Amazing Grace” and comforted by her grandchildren Cami, Whitney, and Trey on January 6, 2023 at Medical City Heart Hospital in Dallas, TX. She was under the compassionate and determined care of Dr. Yallapregada, Dr. Lupton and Dr. Rice, Dolly, APRN, and Brittany, APRN. These grandchildren wish to also extend their sincere appreciation to nurses Nelson and Jenna, who helped to guide and comfort our Meme as well as ourselves through this difficult day.

Luan was preceded in death by her firstborn Rad Owens when he was 48 hours old and then later by her son Dr. George F. Keltch, Jr. who was 48 years old. Lastly, the love of her life and “sweetie” went to prepare their home in Heaven on April 12, 2021, where we know they are together once again.

She will be missed by her son David Lucas (Paul) of Clarksville, TN, and her daughter Sarah Luan (Tom) of Chicago, IL; her grandchildren Cameron “Cami” Keltch of Madison, IN, Whitney Keltch Green (Paul) of Dallas, TX, Ashley Deleslie of Georgia and George “Trey” Francis Keltch, III (Alex) of Richardson, TX, who Luan raised as her own since he was 11 and whom repaid her acts of kindness by being her caregiver and best friend during her final years; her great grandchildren Hunter Pittman (Delany), Grace Pittman (Lane), Ky’Von Deleslie, Sage Deleslie, Zella Green, Jordan Green, and Zoey Green; her sister in law DeeAnn Jones (Lloyd), Bagel the Beagle who constantly had to be told to get in his bed, and his puppy friend, Kiwi.

A graveside service celebrating the life of George Francis Keltch, Sr and his bride Zella Luan Keltch will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 in Blackwell, Oklahoma.