1923
2017
Rae Sexton Kellner 94 of Bayside Manor, Keansburg, NJ passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct 24, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
She was born April 17, 1923 to Robert Cleveland and Minnie Lee Sexton in Honoraville, AL. Rae was the youngest of 10 children and became a bank teller in Montgomery where she met Charles R Kellner with the (then) Army Air Corp and stationed at Maxwell Field. They married and so began 23 years in the Air Force. Charles' European service in WWII led to involvement in the early nuclear program so, upon return they were stationed at Eglin Field, FL then Kirtland Field, Sandia Labs, NM. Subsequent moves included Fort Campbell, KY where first son, Charles was born, Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA where 2nd son Robert was born along with Larson AFB, OR, March AFB, CA and Havertown, PA where Rae and the boys lived while Charles served in Labrador. Rae took each move in stride and was quick to set up their home and the boys introduced to school. Rae always volunteered whether as a class parent, den mother for the boys' scouting or church functions. Also an avid and expert seamstress Rae made clothing, draperies and everything for the home where material was involved. Her creativity in sewing remained throughout her life as grandchildren were routinely provided with beautiful dresses, poodle skirts and dolls.
Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1960 Rae and the family located in Los Angeles for several years until Charles with his nuclear background took a position with Lawrence Livermore Labs at the Nevada Test Site north of Las Vegas, NV. This was to be Rae's longest residence for the next 40+ years. Always active in church and social groups she was the quick-witted jokester and life-of-the-party making their home the place where all the boys' friends wanted to be. She filled the home with her singing, cooking and joy to entertain. Home was wherever she was whether one of the many western campgrounds or National Parks she loved so much. She remained in Las Vegas after Charles passed in 1981 until 2004 when she moved to NJ to be close to Bob's family due to her illness.
Rae is survived by her sons, Charles R Kellner, Jr of Lynnwood, WA, Bob Kellner & his wife Teresa of Monmouth Hills, NJ, and grandchildren Matthew Kellner, Allison DeBlois, Emily Kellner & Greyson Kellner.
Visitation is to be 1:30 – 3:00 with a small service at 3:00 at Neary Quinn Funeral Home, 39 South St, Manasquan, NJ. Rae will be buried the following weekend in Las Vegas next to her beloved husband of 42 years, Charles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Neary Quinn Funeral Home.
3 Entries
November 6, 2017
John Lake
Dear Bob, Teresa,Charles and family.....I've often thought about your mother and decided to look her up on the internet...sadly I see she just passed. I always hoped that I could once again see that smile of hers as she told a joke or pulled a fast one on one of the old gang.She was a second mom to all of us and yes, like most caring parents she was sometimes a pain, but she always had our best interests at heart! Time flies but good memories remain. I will always cherish the good times provided by your parents ...may this beautiful lady rest in peace.
John and Deborah Lake
October 29, 2017
Dosia Fire
Sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences.
October 27, 2017
Yvonne Rousseau
So sorry for this great loss. Sending condolences and prayers.
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