Gary Gene Keller, 69 of Santa Fe, New Mexico died July 29, 2015 after numerous complications following major surgery. Gary is survived by Judy, his wife of 46 years, daughter Stacey and husband Paul Bequette, granddaughters Kelsey, Taylor and Darian, brother Sam and wife Karen and nephews Brian and Aaron. Gary was preceded in death by his infant son Christopher and parents Glenn and Marjorie Keller. Gary was born in Alliance, NE on May 29, 1946 and was raised on a ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills until moving to Southern California with his parents in 1958. Gary was a Vietnam veteran and met and married Judy upon his return in 1968. Gary was a Pipefitter and retired from Civilian Service at Fort Leavenworth in 1999. He and Judy spent many years traveling the country in an RV during the summer and wintering in Tucson, AZ until relocating from the greater Kansa City area to Santa Fe in 2008. Gary was an accomplished bit and spur maker whose spurs have been worn by professional and novice horsemen throughout the country and are in Don King's Museum in Sheridan, Wy and private collections around the world. He is featured in Ned and Jody Martin's "Bits & Spurs: Motifs, Techniques and Modern Makers". He was also a sculptor and together with his wife created fine wood and metal sculptures. It was their love of art and the west that called them to Santa Fe, NM. It was there Gary and Judy volunteered as docents at San Miguel Church. Gary often told visitors that this was the best job he had ever had and it paid nothing. Gary loved sports and was an avid Nebraska Husker fan. After moving to the Kansas City area in the early 1970's Gary became a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and KU basketball fan. But, being born a cowboy put rodeo ahead of all others. Gary said his was the greatest life one could every ask for and wouldn't have changed anything. He will be missed by his family and many friends throughout the country. Hey cowboy, we'll see you "up in that great short grass range with that blue cloudless sky". He had a great ride! The family can't express enough our appreciation for the dignity, love, care and concern provided to Gary and our entire family by St. Luke's Hospice House of Kansas City, Mo. Those wishing to do so may contribute to this amazing organization at St. Luke's Home Care and Hospice, c/o St. Luke's Foundation, 4225 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64111. Please join us in a celebration of life this Sunday, August 9 at 11 am at the Leavenworth Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS.