Elton Benjamin Keller, son of John and Matilda Keller, was born on the family farm north of St. Francis, KS on May 30, 1929.Elton was the youngest of seven children.  He spent his elementary years riding his horse, Peggy, to the Hackberry School.  Since German was the language used at home, Elton learned English as he attended school.  He went on to St. Francis High School, graduating in 1948.  After graduation, Elton enrolled at Kansas State Agriculture College in Manhattan, KS. While there, he was a member of ROTC and was drafted and became a US Marine, stationed in Miami, Florida. During his time in the service, he became a crew chief on a C119 Flying Boxcar transport. During leave in St. Francis, he met Ella Mae Vandike at a community dance.  Elton and Ella Mae were married on December 22nd, 1952.  After Elton's military discharge, they moved back home to Cheyenne County, where they spent their lifetime farming and ranching.

Having been a state wrestling champion his senior year in high school and a team member at college, he was an avid fan of wrestling the remainder of his life.  He was fortunate to follow his children and grandchildren in their sports and activities.

Church was a very important part of the Keller family.  Elton made sure they all attended Sunday school and church every week.

Elton and Ella Mae were blessed with four children:  Daniel, Jan, Perry, and Penny, and 13 grandchildren;  Joshua, Joel and Aaron Keller; Anna Beth, Cole, Ashlea and Andrea Vap; Nicolas and Holly Keller; and Gabe, Jordan, Elizabeth and Zach Gienger.  He was a proud Pepa to 30 great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, and great nephews and great nieces who all called him Uncle Elton. He impressed on all of them the value of hard work and "You finish what you start."

In Elton's autobiography entitled "My Life and Memories" he pins a personal note to his grandchildren:

"I wanted to pass on some of the things that happened in the good old days.  You could have fun with the natural things in life like colts, horses, and other pets.  You didn't work as many hours, but you worked hard when you worked.  There was an importance placed on relaxing and spending time with family.

A note to my grandkids: If the world changes as much in your lifetime as it has in mine, you have no idea what life has in store for you."

At the age of 96 years, three months, Elton was called home on August 17, 2025.  We rejoice he is in Heaven.