Obituary of Valia J. Keller

Valia J. Keller, age 98, of Collegeville, PA passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 after a brief illness.

She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 4, 1925, the daughter of the late John and Angela (Terzi) Jonardi.

A first generation American of Italian descent, Valia raised her family in Bethel Park, PA before moving to Royersford, PA and most recently Collegeville, PA.  She was a parishioner of St. Eleanor RC Church and former parishioner of St. Valentine RC Church of Bethel Park.

She loved being with her family, especially at their annual 4th of July Reunions, which have taken place for over 50 years. 

She always kept the Italian family tradition of making special dishes (caplets), cookies, and the family's special "punch."

She loved her needlework, and made countless handmade gifts for her family and friends over the years. She also loved watching baseball, and Notre Dame football.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Wilbert Draksler and Lloyd J. Keller; and four siblings, Enzo Jonardi, Norma Mickunas, Raymond Jonardi and Lydia Ludwig.

She is survived by two sons, Charles (the late Patricia) Draksler of Collegeville, PA and John (Candy) Draksler of Clermont, FL; stepdaughter, Laverne (the late Ron) Batman of Harrisburg, PA and stepson, Lloyd (Karen) Keller, Jr. of South Park, PA.  She is also
survived by nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  To Valia, family mattered above all things, and many happy hours were spent in the company of loved ones.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 18th, at 12pm (noon) at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.  Friends may call for a viewing on Saturday at 11am at the Funeral Home.

Interment will take place in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA following the service.