Julie Helen Keyes

Julie Keyes Obituary

Julie Helen Keyes, a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, great great grandma (Grammie), and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, passed away peacefully at the age of 87, on November 28th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on January 22, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph Richie Harkness and Helen Violet Froisland. She was the middle child of 5 children, being the middle child did not stop her from earning her status as the favorite child. If her siblings wanted something from Mom and Dad, they sent Julie to work her magic. A gift she carried with her throughout her life. 

Julie spent her early childhood in Immigration Canyon, where she often reminisced about the 2 mile hike to the bus stop, and the 36 stairs she had to hike up and down each day. She was grateful when the family moved to Salt Lake City where she enjoyed dances at the local sock hops and diners with her friends and sister Sandy. Julie loved her siblings and left highschool early to help raise and care for her younger brother Doug. Sandy and her husband Cal played a vital role throughout Julie and her childrens’ lives. From the wonderful trips they shared together, to the unconditional love they so freely offered. She truly had a best friend for life, in her sister Sandy.

She met and married Blaine Saxton, together they had 6 children: Kipp Saxton (Veta), Kelleen Saxton, Kristie Holm (Brent), Kory Saxton (Angela), Kirk Saxton (Tammy), and Kyle Saxton (Shanna). Her children were her entire world. They were later divorced. She then met and married her late husband Blaine “Coley” Keyes. In this union she was blessed with three more children to love; Kyndi Keyes, Kevin Keyes (Allison), and Kimberly Keyes Chaffin (Jimmy).

Together Julie and Coley enjoyed dancing, horse races, arrowhead hunting, shooting, and many camping trips with great friends. She worked for the St. George City office in the utility department for 30 years before she retired. She also worked banquets during these years where she gained many friends, with whom her family often referred to as the “Golden Girls”. These ladies never missed a chance to get together, whether it was their Thursday lunch dates followed by games each week, hopping on the bus to California to the swap meet to shop until they dropped, or spending a week in Park City. They never missed a chance to laugh and create memories to last her a lifetime.

She loved to serve whether it was one of her many church callings, from Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society, to the blood drives, or working as a volunteer for the St. George Marathon or making dinner for a neighbor in need, she found great satisfaction in serving others.

One of her greatest joys was baking. Anyone that knew her, knew there was not a cookbook she did not own and some of them multiple copies! We looked forward to her Christmas baking, where she made and delivered everyone their favorite treats each year. We will always hold dear to our hearts, the traditions of decorating Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses with Grammie. 

She was the world’s best Grandma, always supporting and loving her grandkids in everything they did! She never missed an opportunity to show them how proud she was of them, and how much she loved them. Always present in each and every moment. Involved in every detail of their lives.

Julie will be remembered for her loyalty, quiet strength, and endless devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and in the memories of all of those who were blessed to know her. Memorial services celebrating Julie’s life will be held on Saturday December 7th. A viewing will be held from 9:30 am-10:30 am, with services to follow at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Veyo, UT (176 E. Center Street).