ILION - Jean B. Keller, 73, a resident of Mohawk Valley Nursing Home since 1997, formerly of Herkimer, entered into eternal rest July 21, 2003, in Little Falls Hospital. She was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Herkimer, a daughter of the late Robert R. and Irene E. (Higby) Bishton. A lifelong Herkimer resident, she was raised and educated in Herkimer, where she graduated high school. She had been married to Donald C. Keller. He predeceased her. As a young girl, Jean had worked at her parents' business, The Arrowball Corp. in Ilion. She later worked in the retail industry at Woolworth's and Montgomery Wards. She was last employed at Herb Philipson's Army and Navy Store. A loving and caring person, she was devoted to her family and raising her children. She delighted in spending time with her friends and will be greatly missed. Jean was gifted with ability for refinishing furniture. She enjoyed going to garage sales and flea markets. She would search for unique items and antiques, creating artistic pieces. Surviving are one son, David A. Keller of Syracuse; a daughter, Deborah A. Kirby and her husband James of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; two grandchildren, Megan and Ryan Kirby of Thousand Oaks; a sister-in-law, Marion Bishton of Ilion; nephew, Robert Bishton III and his wife Laurie; great-nieces and nephews and cousins. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Bishton Jr. Funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Rev. Joseph Jansen, pastor of New Life Church and Ministry Center, will officiate. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home on Thursday evening to receive relatives and friends from 4-7 p.m. At Jean's request, as an alternative to sending flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society or a local pet rescue shelter of one's choice.