Joan Ogden Kehler of Annapolis, Md., died unexpectedly on June 11 at home. She was the wife of Dr. James Kehler. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Joan was born on May 1, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of William Allen Ogden and George Anna Erkins, and sister of William Allen Ogden of Cincinnati.

Aside from her devotion as a wife and mother, she was very involved in the art and culture of Cincinnati in her 20s and early 30s, working and volunteering at the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Art Center, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Cincinnati Zoo. From 1973 to 1985, after moving to Annapolis, she co-owned The Shop for Pappagallo in West Annapolis. In 1987 she helped open the first office for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, opening and running the symphony’s ticket office. Joan was also a valuable member of the board of trustees of the Key School in Annapolis, acting as president of the Key School Board from 1979 to 1981.

Joan was a kind and caring woman loved by all who knew her. Her generosity to her family and friends was limitless. She had many friends with whom she loved spending time, watching movies, talking and sharing stories of the past. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Dr. James Kehler, and her two daughters and their spouses, Katherine and Ted Farnham of Portsmouth, R.I. and Eloise and Paul Mahoney of Providence, R.I. Joan loved and cherished spending time with her family on Martha’s Vineyard, especially with her four grandchildren, Madeline and Eliza Mahoney and Stewart and Meghan Farnham. She was a precious gift to us and we will miss her dearly.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, R.I. 02842 or The San Miguel School, 525 Branch avenue, Providence, R.I. 02904.