Obituary for Kim Marie Keller

Kim Marie Keller (Hawbaker-Shellenbarger), 63, entered Heaven’s gates on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was born on April 9, 1961, in Kingston, New York, to Robert and Mae (Brown) Shellenbarger.

Kim spent her youth as a vibrant and talented young woman with striking dark hair. She excelled in choir during her high school years, earning awards for her beautiful singing voice—a passion that remained with her throughout her life.

In 1990, Kim married Jeff Hawbaker, and together they raised his beautiful baby daughter Andrea, whom Kim affectionately called “Honeybe.” They lived on a farm in Bagley, Iowa, where they raised livestock and opened their hearts to foster children. Kim cherished Elizabeth, Zachary, Ricky, and all the children she cared for during this time.

After her marriage to Jeff ended, Kim and Andrea shared a special bond as they built a life together. Kim worked at Yellow Freight International. While living in Panora, Iowa, where she joined a Christian church and was baptized. Her faith became central to her life as she sang in the choir and served her church community. Her career later took her to Overland Park, Kansas, before she returned to Iowa.

In 2001, Kim met Kevin Keller, the love of her life. They married on July 27, 2002, in Adel, Iowa; whereby the family resided for many years. Kevin brought his children—Kelsey, Anastacia, and K.C.—into her life, and Kim loved them as her own. She pursued nursing school and became a dialysis technician until an injury ended her career. From then on, she dedicated herself to her family and faith.

Kim adored spending time with her grandchildren and hosting sleepovers and watching movies filled with laughter and love. She was an avid reader who loved learning and traveling with her family. Despite challenges in life, she achieved three associate degrees and inspired others with her kindness, generosity, and empathy.

She is survived by her husband Kevin Keller; children Andrea Tonelli-Hawbaker, Kelsey (Michael) Pieken, Anastacia Keller, and K.C. Keller; grandchildren Shyan, Ava, Silas, Jorjia, Jaxxon, and Theo; sisters Tammy (Dave) Dorinski, Susie (Gary) Douglas, and Bert (Rhianna) Shellenbarger; nephews Antonio and DJ; nieces Andrea (Ben) and Bri; great-nephews Brock and Stephen; as well as extended family and countless friends.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents Mae Ann and Robert Donald Shellenbarger; maternal and paternal grandparents; Andrea’s father Jeff Hawbaker; and other cherished loved ones. Kim’s legacy of love will live on through the lives she touched.

She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, radiant smile, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ—and for the joy she found in life’s simplest treasures like time spent with family or cuddling Peanut, her beloved Chihuahua.

The family will be having a celebration of life for this beautiful soul on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, if you need more information, please contact Andrea at Atonelli87@gmail.com for more details.