Russell Keller

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Russell Keller, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He passed away on October 30, 2024 at the age of 77 in Ogden, Utah from the effects of a stroke.
"Russ" was born April 9, 1947 in Kanab, Utah, to parents William Valentine Keller and Mildred Bowers Keller. He was the third of four children in a family that consisted of two older brothers: Alma and Doug, and a younger sister: Roberta.
At the age of 19 he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission from 1966-1968. Shortly after returning from his mission, and while attending BYU, he met Connie Brooksby, and they were married on March 8, 1969. They spent most of their married life in Kanab and Ivins until Russ's retirement when they moved to northern Utah. Russ and Connie are the parents of eight children. Their posterity includes 30 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with twins on the way.
People who knew Russ frequently commented on his striking blue eyes as well as his quick wit. He loved having fun and making people laugh, but he was also a very hard worker. Even as he aged, he avoided sitting and was always in search of something to fix or a project to work on; his most recent project was building a shed for his garden. He was outside daily–mowing the lawn and harvesting vegetables. He made friends everywhere he went, including in line at the grocery store. Russ was constantly lending a helping hand to friends as well as strangers, and he taught his children this trait by his example. He loved the Lord above all. He shared the Gospel, the Plan of Salvation, and his love for Jesus Christ with his children and anyone else who would listen.
Russ lived a life devoted to service and compassion, embodying the principles he cherished. For many years, he and Connie served as primary caregivers to both of their mothers at the same time, demonstrating unwavering dedication to family. As a member and leader in the Boy Scouts of America, Russ earned the prestigious Silver Beaver award for his leadership and commitment to youth development. His faith led him to serve a senior proselytizing mission in Louisiana with his beloved wife, as well as a service mission in Kanab, where he touched countless lives. Throughout his life, he held various leadership roles; he served as bishop and also as a member of several bishoprics, always prioritizing the needs of others and fostering a spirit of community. Russ's legacy of service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Russ is survived by his wife Connie, and their 8 children: Derek (Dana), Heidi (Matt), Brooks, Kody (Monica), Wendy (Jason), Linsey, Lance, and Chase (Karen).
He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, and his daughter-in-law Jennifer Keller.
There will be a viewing Thursday, November 7, from 6:30 to 8 pm and another viewing Friday, November 8, at 9 am, followed by a celebration of life at 11am at the LDS Church (20 W Center Street, Kanab, UT). Burial will be in the Kanab Cemetery. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.
K Hill Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99936390871?pwd=D07EIdqYVEOP4q9DYeTRiKWkpCqwlb.1
Meeting ID: 999 3639 0871 Passcode: 077797