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Keleher -- Loretta Barrett Keleher, 102 years of age, the widow of William A. Keleher, died in Albuquerque, NM on July 31, 2000. She was born September 15, 1897 on a farm near Crystal Lake, Iowa. She attended a one-room county school and in 1915 graduated from high school in Britt, IA. After high school she taught in one-room schools, one of which was the same one-room country school she attended as a child. For the next several years she alternated between teaching positions and attending the University of Iowa. At the time scholarships were not available and she financed her education. In February, 1925, she graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in physical education. In 1925, she accepted a summer teaching position at the University of New Mexico as the only women�s P.E. teacher at UNM, with Coach Roy Johnson heading the department. In the fall of 1927, she returned to UNM as head of the women�s physical education department. In 1927, the enrollment at UNM was 596 students. In 1932, she married attorney historian William A. Keleher. Thereafter, her life was primarily centered on her family. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and for many years actively participated in parish activities. In the 1940�s she frequently showed flowers at the New Mexico State Fair, occasionally winning blue ribbons. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed duplicate bridge. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.A. Keleher; as well as Mary Ann Keleher Rogers and James W. Rogers; and grandson, John Bureau Keleher. She is survived by four sons and their wives: William B. Keleher and Jan Reeves Keleher; Michael L. Keleher and Margaret Wills Keleher; John G. Keleher and Linda Bureau Keleher; and Thomas F. Keleher and Gretchen Cunningham Keleher. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild as well as two sisters, Mary Barrett and Ella Barrett Muehe of Mason City, IA. Rosary will be recited Thursday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Deacon George Sandoval reciting. Mass will be celebrated Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper NW, with Father Richard McGowan, S.J., Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William R. Keleher, Mark A. Keleher, Brian G. Keleher, Christopher L. Keleher, Peter W. Keleher, Daniel W. Keleher, Thomas F. Keleher, Jr,, Michael W. Keleher and David L. Keleher. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Barrett House, 905 13th NW, 87102 or to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Thu August 03, 2000