Susan Winkler Keller, 61, of Granite Falls passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Susan was born on August 29, 1961 in Catawba County to Charles Lee Winkler and Ella Bonzetta Fairchild Winkler.
Susan worked in Children’s Services at Caldwell County Department of Social Services for over 33 years when she retired June 30, 2022. Her positions included, Adolescent Parenting Program Coordinator, Child Protective Services Investigator, Foster Care Social Worker, Caldwell County’s first On-Call Social Worker, and LINKS (Independent Living) Coordinator. In 2004, she was the recipient of the Blue-Ribbon Award (Caldwell County’s Prevent Child Abuse Award). She was also recognized as the Department’s Employee of the Month. Through the years, Susan worked to provide her clients with services to strengthen the family unit. Susan had a special connection with teenagers and wanted them to be successful. Under Susan’s tenure as the LINKS Coordinator, it was one of the most active groups year after year and was referred by the State to other North Carolina counties to speak with Susan about the success of the program in Caldwell County and the programs/activities that were offered.
She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Lee Winkler; and a sister, Stacy Morgan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Danny Ray Keller; mother, Ella Bonzetta Winkler; son, Jason Bumgarner and wife Jessica; sister, Cathy Winkler; stepchildren, Toye Johnson and husband Doug, Daniel Joshua Keller and wife Crystal; Amanda Smith and husband Justin; grandchildren, Lalana Thongkai, Lilah Keller, Oliver Keller, Nova Smith, and Christopher Clark, Jr.; great nieces, Alexis Murray and husband Jacob; niece, Nikki Charlene Nicole Morgan; and nephew, Charles Hildebran.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com
Mackie Funeral Service is assisting the family.
Many years ago I had the pleasure to work with Susan at Caldwell County DSS. Although I never worked directly with Susan, I remember her as being a very dedicated social worker, and the fact that she genuinely cared for her clients. I remember her laughter and the big smile she had for everyone. She was a special person indeed.
Susan was one of the nicest people I had the opportunity to become friends with. I enjoyed her kindness and loyalty for 20 plus years as a hair client!! She will greatly be missed! Thoughts and prayers to all the family
Susan was a loving daughter to Bonzetta Winkler. She knew how to treat her windowed mother with compassion and love. Thank you, Susan.
Love & Prayers
Kay Summerlin, Mike & Jeff
Praying for the Keller family. So sorry for you and your family lost.
My condolences to all the families and friends of Susan. She was a special person. She will be missed greatly!❤️