Gary Stephen Keller's Obituary
Gary Stephen Keller passed away the evening of May 30, 2023 just 2 days after his 72nd birthday at Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, UT after nearly 11 weeks of alternating stays in a hospital or rehab/care center. On the day he departed this mortal existence, he was surrounded by all his children, a few of his grandchildren, and was able to speak with each of his siblings. Gary was dearly loved by so many. All his family members are comforted knowing he is now in the arms of his loving mother, who departed from us far too soon nearly 46 years ago.
Gary was welcomed as the oldest of five siblings to Helen Ruth Young and Spencer N Keller in Glendale, CA on May 28, 1951. Gary grew up in southern California living in North Hollywood, Canoga Park, and Newbury Park, CA. He attended Newbury Park High School for just his last year and was part of the first graduating class for the new high school in 1970.
Gary faithfully served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Indiana/ Michigan mission from 1970 to 1972. He met Frances Annette Hoggan of Simi, CA and they were married in the LDS temple in Los Angeles, CA on September 7, 1974. The couple lived in Provo, Orem, and American Fork, UT as they welcomed and raised their four children, and have been blessed with twelve grandchildren. Gary thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren and took advantage of every possible opportunity to share just how talented and wonderful they are - he often repeated it multiple times. :¬)
Gary worked for nearly 40 years at the Utah State Developmental Center located in American Fork, UT across from the Mount Timpanogos Temple. He enjoyed his co-workers, but particularly loved working with his “guys” that he would care for each day. For much of his time there he could be seen walking up the hill to work each weekday morning.
Gary was active in the LDS Church throughout his life and diligently served in his callings. For the past 18 years he never tired of chatting with the members as he served as the chapel librarian in American Fork 12th ward.
Gary was a kind soul who comforted and cared for hundreds of children as their “adopted” daycare Grandpa. He had a dry sense of humor, would come up with funny remarks, and loved to tease those he cared about. He loved museums, World War II history, 60’s sitcoms, westerns (particularly those starring John Wayne), and old cars of any kind, with his favorite being his parent’s blue 1963 Volkswagen Bug. He cherished family vacations and any car rides, especially in his beloved American Fork Canyon.
Gary was at peace with his life in the end. He knew his entire family loves him and will miss him dearly. Please join with family and friends in celebrating his life and the ways that Gary's dear sweet spirit blessed many others.
Gary was preceded in death by his mom, Helen, and his dad, Spence. He is survived by Frances Annette Keller, his wife of more than 48 years; his four children, Pam (Jim) Adams of Pleasant Grove, UT; Mark (Ruthann) Keller of Pleasant Grove, UT; Kathleen (Barry) Ehlert of Calgary, Canada; Marsha (Nick) Nelson of Riverton, UT. He leaves behind twelve grandchildren, Bryton, Desi, Tommy, Ariana, Sophia, Devin, Kyla, Lucy, Macy, Waylon, Myles, and Reagan; and his siblings Charlene (Curtis) Hansen of Boise, ID; Melanie (Alan) Hoffmann of Culver City, CA; Kevin (Jodi) Keller of Newbury Park, CA; and Janelle (Tom) Harper of Vancouver, WA.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 15th in the American Fork 12th Ward Chapel, 673 E 300 North, American Fork, UT 84003
The family will gather at the chapel at 9:30am to visit with friends and loved ones, the memorial will follow at 11am, and the graveside dedication at 12:30pm at American Fork Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations toward a memorial bench that will be placed up on the hill near the Utah State Developmental Center in honor of Gary’s many years of dedicated service there. You may contact any family member for Fran’s Venmo details to send your contribution.
The link for the service is:
https://youtube.com/live/p_G8F6k8u9g
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