Elmer "Rick" Sterling Keller, Jr., 77, of Ridgeley, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 24, 1947, in Cumberland, he was a son of the late Elmer S. and Elva R. (Bennett) Keller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear friend, Barney Barnstricker.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Carol "Gidget" (Snelson) Keller; son, Richard Keller and wife Karen; granddaughter, Jenna Keller and fiancé Eric Denham; sister, Betty Dickinson Berry; nephews, Stephen Dickinson and wife Mary and David Dickinson; a number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and many beloved pets.

Rick grew up in Cumberland's South End, where he met his best friend, Barney, and many of his other lifelong friends. He met the love of his life, Gidget, at People's Drug Store in Cumberland. They eloped and were married for almost 58 years. A few years after they married, they moved to West Virginia to raise a family. Rick enjoyed having many pets and animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, and goats and working on his farm.

He served his country in the Naval Reserve for two years before he started his 55-year career in the veterinary field. He began working at Potomac Animal Hospital with Dr. Connie Filsinger, where he became a Veterinary Technician. Later he worked as a Veterinary Technician and Office Manager at Wiley Ford Animal Clinic. Rick enjoyed working with his son for many of those years and for being able to follow his dream of helping to care for pets and animals. Rick often said that he viewed and treated each pet as his own and wanted to do everything he could to help them.

He was a faithful Fort Hill alumnus. He often said that it should be considered "University of Fort Hill" and everyone should salute the school when passing by Greenway Avenue.

He enjoyed watching westerns, listening to The Beach Boys and exploring back country roads with his friends and family. He also enjoyed following his beloved Green Bay Packers, New York Yankees, and The Georgia Bulldogs.

He cherished the time he spend with his family and pets, especially the times with his special daughter-in-law, Karen, and watching his granddaughter, Jenna grow into her college years and recently becoming engaged to Mr. Eric Denham.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 1 to 3pm. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3pm with Pastor Seth Wharton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929; Defenders of Wildlife (https://support.defenders.org/), or the WMHS Foundation – Attn: Dialysis, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502.