Toby Keller Jorgensen

Toby Keller Jorgensen, 94 of Fayetteville passed away peacefully at Willard Walker Hospice Home. She was born Dec. 26, 1919 in Flint, Mich. the daughter of Walter G. Keller and Sue E. Garrett Keller. When the family moved to Fayetteville in 1939, Sue helped establish the U of A "Playhouse", a local community theater and the Sue Garrett Keller Studio. The Junior Assemble also was established as a way to introduce young teens to ballroom dancing, The "Studio" later became the Keller-Jorgensen Dance Studio when Toby joined as the dance instructor and choreographer and later became sole owner. The spring Dance Recital featuring ballet, tap, modern jazz, ballroom and acrobatics, was held at the University of Arkansas Fine Arts Theater. The Department of Speech and Dramatic Art and The National Collegiate Players sponsored the recital for some 36 years. Toby has been a Master Instructor for the Ballet Arkansas in Little Rock, taught dance at the University of Arkansas and gave Christmas dance programs at the Veteran's hospital. She choreographed a number of musical productions for the Arts Center of the Ozark Courtyard Theatre. Toby also established dance programs for many NWA communities over the years. The help and encouragement she has given her students was inspiration to all. Toby was past president of Altrusa Club International (1969-71) an organization her mother had helped to co-found in 1939. Toby was also a long term member of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Garrett Jess Jorgensen. Survivors include a daughter, Daryl L. Murdock; grandson, Zachary J. Murdock; granddaughter, Keri Lyn Gentry; and four great-grandchildren. Small private family service will be held with a memorial service to be announced later. Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory handled the cremation arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and/or KUAF Classical Music. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.