Dorothy Jane Cobb Keller, 96, passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2026, just 10 days before her 97th birthday. Born on February 1st, 1929, in Jacksonville, IL, she was the eldest of five children of Charles and Helen Graef Cobb. She spent several years of her childhood in Ashland, IL, before her family returned to Jacksonville.

Dorothy graduated from Our Saviour Grade School and what is now Routt Catholic High School, class of 1947. She continued her education at Illinois College, earning a degree in English in 1951. She graduated with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was an active member of the Gamma Delta Literary Society, serving as President during her junior year.

She met her future husband, Paul Keller, at a basketball game at David Prince Junior High (now Jacksonville Middle School), where Paul was coaching. They married in Jacksonville in 1955 and remained so for 49 years until his death in 2004.

Following graduation and prior to having her children, she taught 4th grade at South Jacksonville Grade School.  She dedicated several years to teaching reading classes at Our Saviour Grade School. She later served as a substitute teacher at various local schools, a role she found deeply rewarding.

Dorothy maintained a strong connection to Jacksonville and its rich history. She was an avid reader of local newspapers, often saving clippings for her children. Her intellectual curiosity led her to participate in numerous civic and church organizations, including the Morgan County Democrats, League of Women Voters (where she served as President), NAACP, Illinois College, Sorosis Literary Group, Altar & Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America, Right to Life & the committee to save Our Saviour's Rectory. She also contributed to Doorbell Dinners and served as a Brownie troop leader. Dorothy and her husband were committed advocates for civil rights beginning in the 1960s, and their commitment for civil rights was recognized by the Jacksonville African American Museum at the museum's 2022 opening.  Always civically minded and concerned for equal rights, she valued thoughtful political discourse and was known for expressing her convictions with clarity and respect.   She was not afraid to speak her mind regardless of audience.

Dorothy was devoted to local arts offerings attending theatre productions and musical events, and was a member of the Jacksonville Theatre Guild and Jacksonville Symphony Society.  She had equal devotion to her children & grandchildren's sporting events & continued to be a loyal fan of local teams, as well the Mizzou Tigers & Iowa Hawkeyes.

Dorothy took her role as family matriarch seriously. She and her husband purchased her maternal grandmother's home, built in 1880, where they raised their children. Dorothy was a devoted caregiver to her grandmother, parents, and her aunt, Dorothy Van Rosendal, for whom she was named. She also lovingly cared for her husband until his passing.

While family was extremely important to her, Dorothy thoroughly enjoyed socializing.  She never stopped making new friends and valued her close circle of friends who became like family to her and her kids.  Her social calendar was always full with commitments to her various meetings and fun.  Her kids really had no idea where she was much of the time due to her varied interests.  She showcased her hostess skills in the many gatherings held in her home.  Her kids remember the New Years Eve parties, the card games with her bridge group, & many family functions.  Election night parties were held with great anticipation, including the results of her husband's many years running for office of Regional Supt. of Schools.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Dirk of Iowa City, IA; Chris (Leigh Ann) Keller of Tulsa, Ok; Julie (John) Mangano of Carmel, IN; and Lisa (Scott) Reed of Jacksonville. She is also survived by her brother, Tony Cobb of Cincinnati, OH. Grandchildren include Jason, Mariah, Willa, Paul, and Caroline Keller; Katie and Jake Keller; Johnny, Christopher, and Patrick Mangano; as well as bonus grandchildren Erin Reed and Abby Russo. Dorothy was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Miles, Daphne & Ezra Keller, Mia and Maddie Mangano, Asher Minahan, Ryland Minahan, and Braxton Russo. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her sisters Lois Maloney, Catherine Kazmierczak and Helen Jones; her brother-in-law Bill Maloney; her brother and sister-in-law Alvin (Doris) Keller; her sisters-in-law Betty Cobb and Emily Keller; her nephews Bradley Jones and Steve Keller.

Dorothy's family extends their immense gratitude to the caregivers who supported her over the years.  She cared as much about them as they did for her.

A prayer service will be held at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 3:30 PM with a visitation to follow from 4:00-6:00 PM.  A funeral mass will be held at Our Saviour Church Saturday, January 31st, at 9:30 AM, which will be livestreamed on the Church of Our Saviour Facebook page, the Our Saviour Parish Youtube channel, or on their website ( www.oursaviourparish.org\live) .  Burial following at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Our Saviour Grade School/Routt Catholic High School and the Jacksonville African American Museum. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.