Calvin Ray Keller

Manti, Utah
Calvin Ray Keller , 82, passed away October 7, 2011. He was born to Calvin "Tom" and Lillie Barton Keller on August 15, 1929 in Manti. Ray is a graduate of Manti High School. As a gifted musician, he played trombone with dance bands throughout the state of Utah for several years. Ray attended Utah State University and then came home to run the family livestock operation. He farmed for 35 years. On August 8, 1949 he married Emma Lou Larsen in the Manti Temple.
On November 26, 1974, at the age of 45, Ray and Emma Lou were in a terrible car accident. Ray saw the need for Emma Lou to attend the finest rehabilitation center in the country and moved to Denver, CO in 1975. The story of their faith, courage, love, determination and rehabilitation over 36 years is remarkable. Abraham Lincoln said, "To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own." Rays life, love and care for Emma Lou and others reflect that truth.
For 12 years in Denver, Ray was an entrepenur involved in several small businesses including automotive repair and real estate. In 1987 they returned home to Manti.
Ray served on the Manti City Council, as well as in other civic organizations, and was a dyed-in-the-wool-Republican. He served in the Church as the executive secretary to several bishops and as High Priest Group Leader. He was a faithful home teacher and loved his family, the temple and the Mormon Miracle Pageant.
A Prophet once said, "The greatest gift a father can give to his children is to love their mother." Ray has given that gift for over 62 years.
Ray is survived by his wife; children: Terry Ray (Margret) Keller- Centennial, CO; Kallene (Jim) Braithwaite, Manti; Karen (Duane) Thomas, Lake City, FL; Thomas Averill (Pam) Keller- Parker, CO; 13 grandchildren, 10+ great grandchildren; brother, Jacob J. (Ricky) Keller, Bend, OR; sister, Kathryn K. (Lyman) Stevens, Logan. Preceded in death by: parents; sister, Helen (Jack) Higbee; brother, Karl (Ruth) Keller; grandson, Jimi Braithwaite; son-in-law, Jim Braithwaite; daughter-in-law Pam Keller.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Manti LDS Tabernacle. Friends and family may call at the church prior to services from 11:00-12:30. Interment will be in the Manti City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com