Janet Stevens Keller

Janet Stevens Keller, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025. Born in Ogden, Utah, to Clay and Lucile Stevens, Janet was the eldest of six and a guiding light to her siblings and all who knew her.

At 16, Janet met the love of her life, Boyd Keller. After a ride out to the Great Salt Lake in his car, she later said, “I’ve been riding in his car ever since.” Despite being in high school while Boyd attended the University of Utah, their bond was instant and deep. He gave her an engagement ring on Christmas Eve, 1948. Janet graduated from South High School in 1949 and went to work as a secretary for the CIO labor union. She waited patiently—31 months and 10 days—for Boyd to return from his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 19, 1952.

Janet’s life was built on love, faith, and joyful service. She worked for many years in the Granite School District as a secretary, known for her sharp mind, fast typing, flawless shorthand, and a firm belief that “you either know how to spell or you don’t.” Her work ethic was matched by her warmth and professionalism.

She served faithfully in many church callings, including Relief Society President. Janet and Boyd also served missions in Australia and Salt Lake City, where they contributed to meaningful family history work. Janet was a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Janet had a deep love for gardening and a gift for nurturing beauty and abundance from the soil. Her yard flourished with fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, and the prettiest flowers. She canned the vegetables she grew and made homemade raspberry jam that was famous in the family — always in high demand and cherished like gold.

As a grandmother, Janet turned simple joys into lasting traditions—birthday pies (never cake!), sugar cookie baking, fondue on New Year’s Eve, and pizza parties with root beer. She was a master of the perfect bubble bath—so perfect, in fact, that more than once it overflowed the entire bathroom, much to the delight of her grandkids. She never went anywhere without snacks, and we’re fairly certain her purse was actually a cleverly disguised picnic basket—always stocked with sandwiches, just in case. Janet didn’t rely on grand gestures to make memories; she simply showed up with love, turning ordinary days into something unforgettable.

Her zest for life was shown in her love of boating, camping, playing bridge and 500, and famously water skiing until age 60 without ever getting her hair wet. From living in Baltimore to summers in Price, from cruises with Boyd to road trips with grandkids, Janet’s life was rich with laughter and love.

In her later years, she and Boyd lovingly raised their granddaughter, Angel Keller, offering unconditional love and tireless care—the truest expression of family devotion.

Janet is preceded in death by her eternal companion, Boyd Keller; their daughter, Jan Keller; and her sister, Betty Longson. She is survived by her children: Brent Keller, Bart Keller (Sheri), and Kristin Campbell (Mark); 16 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Carolyn Hill, Linda Fitt, Paul Stevens, and Roger Stevens.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Skyview Ward, 1361 East 4000 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124. A morning viewing will be held Saturday, April 26 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at the ward. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr, Millcreek, Utah 84106.

With Gratitude the family extends heartfelt thanks to Atlas Hospital Care for their tender service and loving care. A special thank you to Casey, who held a very special place in Janet’s heart.

“And we’re off like a dirty shirt.” – Janet