Arlene E. Keller, 89, of Whiting passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Arlene worked in central sterile processing at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Arlene also worked for the surgery center in Lakewood before retiring.
Born in Jersey City, she was raised in West New York, NJ, and resided in Forked River and Toms River before moving to Whiting in 2000.
Arlene belonged to the Pemberton, NJ Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and has been one for the past 70 years One of her most enjoyable things in life was sharing what she learned from the Bible with others. She loved to cook and was known for making baked goods that she brought to housebound friends and those in nursing homes. She enjoyed volunteering her time and visiting local nursing homes where she developed many friendships. Arlene loved animals but had a fondness for Moose which was her favorite.
Arlene was predeceased by her husband John and her son Scott. Arlene is survived by her daughters Karen Davis of Browns Mills, Lori LaRocco of Forked River, and sons Kevin Keller of Whiting, Brian Keller of Lanoka Harbor, 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
There will be a memorial talk August 15 at 2pm via zoom through the Pemberton, NJ Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Please contact Pemberton Congregation for the zoom login.
Arlene was the most spiritual person I ever knew. She lived her whole life by Bible principles and she is described as the capable wife in Proverbs chapter 31. She was an excellant teacher of the Bible and studied it every day for 70 years. She loved the truth and she loved Jehovah and his son Jesus! She was zealous in sharing these truths with others. She was a wonderful friend, wife , and mother. She had a big heart and so many will especially miss her. She made more cheesecakes than you could count and they were delicious. She left us a wonderful example of how a true Christian should be. I loved her very much.
What a wonderful family. We met when we were all in the Manahawkin cong. We remember some service adventures in the Pine Barrens. John & Arlene leave a wonderful legacy for the family to follow & cherish.
I have known the Keller family for over 50 years, starting as childhood neighbors and inseparable friends with Kevin, Scott, and Brian in Toms River. Even as our families eventually moved to new towns, our close bond never wavered.
Arlene was the heart of the home, always making sure everyone was well-fed. Whether she was cooking or baking, we eagerly awaited the food—especially on Super Bowl Sunday. If you went home hungry, it was entirely your own fault, with trays of ziti flying out of the oven and an ambrosia salad I could never get enough of, followed by endless cakes and pies.
Arlene and John always made sure I was included in everything the family did. They welcomed me on trips, generously covering my expenses, and made me feel entirely like one of their own. They showed me a profound amount of care and love.
I will forever hold onto the countless memories we shared. Arlene’s kindness and generosity helped shape me into a better person. She was truly one of a kind, and I will miss her very much.
Ken Wirtz
Knowing her and John was a privilege
Both of them, love Jehovah
Neither one was accused of being overly tactful
Both of them are a team together again
Waiting for the resurrection in the New World
I truly loved Arlene and John, along with their family. They were all so very spiritually encouraging to everyone around them. They were a family and never forgot. Love being in their company. Waiting to meet up with them again in the new system.! With all my love, Carolyn
I remember Arlene as a most kind Mother figure. She welcomed myself and Heather into her home like we were her daughters. Can’t wait for the day we get to see her again. Also myself and Mark & Jim and Carol
( Mark’s parents ) had tons of fun with you all.
We love you very much.
Jenny & Mark Williams
We remember Arlene as being kind, loving, with a sense of humor. She was a delight to be around. Arlene and her husband John were a source of encouragement to us when our son was in intensive care in the hospital. One of the days they visited us, they brought friends from the congregation and a wonderful hot, home made meal. It was just what we needed. We thank Jehovah for the loving kindness He showed us by friends like Arlene and John. We look forward to seeing them again, healthy and strong on a paradise earth. May Jehovah comfort her family during this difficult time.
My memories of Arlene are of her great love for Jehovah, family and the friends. She was always encouraging to me and I tried to be the same to her through our phones calls, texts and cards. Even when she was not feeling her best she would send a text and a few times Arlene would have Kevin dial the phone. Our last text from her was sent by her daughter Katen “Mom asked me to send love and she’ll see you in the New World, Love you”
May Jehovah comfort the family until then.
Ed and Carolyn Aimone (nee DeFrancisco) West Toms River, NJ,
We became acquainted with the Keller family in the Union City English congregation in 1971. We began attending congregation meetings early that year and were baptized in December 1971 and then married in April 1972. Arlene and John attended our wedding. When we look back at pictures from the wedding, I see a much younger couple who, by then, had already had all of their kids.
We moved to Massachusetts to pioneer in 1973 and lost contact with the Kellers. We moved back to NJ and In 1987, we bought a house in Toms River/Manchester area and began associating with the Toms River cong and once again met up with John and Arlene. It is then we spent several years in the same cong with the Keller family. It was like time stood still for the years we were separated. John and Arlene had not changed at all (well maybe a few physical things…John now had a full head of gray hair, gone was his jet black hair). It was interesting and lovely getting to know the family again, too many experiences to relate. To the family: please accept our deepest sympathies and love as we look forward to the promises Jehovah has in store for us all. Our prayers and concern are for all of Arlene’s family; Karen & Jud Davis, Kevin, Lori & Bob LoRocco and Brian & Jackie Keller.
I remember her at the kingdom hall and the assemblies and the convention and she was a great friend