Beth Keller: A legend leaves town

Beth Keller was born this February, exactly 93 years ago. 93 years. A lifetime. Of these active and involved 93 years, she spent almost 70 in the Tzaneen area. Having lived on the farm Fairview near Coach House, she moved to Macadamia Village in 2003.

Saturday this journey is coming to an end when she leaves Tzaneen to move to Knysna in order to be closer to her children.

While living on the farm Fairview, she had a small farm school and did her part in educating the kids of the area.

An avid golfer, Beth belonged to the Tzaneen Country Club. For many years she was an active member of the Rotary.

The Kruger National Park was one of her favourite destinations and she especially loved taking her grandchildren with her on visits to the Park.

During her time in Tzaneen she authored six books. Some of them still available in local book stores. Amongst them, children’s books as well as stories from and about the area.

Her talents also didn’t stop there. An accomplished painter, Beth’s favourite subjects were birds.

She truly loved her feathered friends. Her love for nature found a home in her years long membership of the local gardening club.

Beth was a member of the Methodist Church in Peace street for many years and also there, her love and empathy for her fellow residents stood out.

On Tuesday, The Herald was invited to a small function at Macadamia Village.

Her fellow residents wanted to say goodbye to their beloved friend Beth.

About 30 residents of Macadamia Village gathered in their Community Centre with snacks and presents to say a last goodbye.

Ron Lunt, Chairman of the Macadamia Village Board opened proceedings.

“I can’t really remember how I met Beth Keller.

I do know that I’ve known this wonderful person since she moved to Macadamia. Without her work, this place might not have existed today,” said Lunt.

Next up was Anne Lavis, a member of the Macadamia Board. She was Beth’s first neighbour when she moved here.

According to Lavis, Beth was one of the first people to take an active interest in raising funds for Macadamia.

“She was also incredibly involved with the Tzaneen Care Group, helping people suffering from cancer,” said Lavis.

She went on to wish her a safe journey to Knysna and to tell her she must remember she will be missed.

Finally, Beth Keller had her own say. “Friends, I thank you from my heart for my time in Macadamia Village.

If it wasn’t for my children living in Knysna, I would never have moved.

The distance is just too far for them to keep on travelling if they want to visit me. I want to thank all my friends here. I had a wonderful time living here.

May God bless and Keep you,” said Keller.