Stephen Richard Keller, age 67, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 1, 2023. He was born On October 24, 1956 in Tucson, Arizona to Paula Hemphill Keller and Richard William Keller.
On Monday, May 1, we lost our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend after a long, courageous battle with lung disease.
Steve attended Carbon High School but left to enlist in the Navy where he worked as the Captain’s Steward on the USS Jouett and where he also received his high school diploma. Steve was a talented chef and he always enjoyed cooking throughout his life.
He met and married Kathy Ball in 1975, while he was still in the Navy. They had three beautiful children together; Stephanie, and the twins, Stevie and Jonnie. He also had a stepson, Raymond that he loved very much. After he retired and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1979, he returned home to work at Soldier Creek Coal Mine. He was later injured in the mine and did not return to mining. He attended C.E.U. and received his Associate Degree, and then he received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from National University in 1986. A few years after that, Steve and his family moved to California and he and Kathy later divorced. Steve moved back East for awhile to visit with relatives. Then, he moved to Salt Lake City where he spent the rest of his life.
No matter how much he was suffering or struggling, Steve always remained positive and kept his amazing sense of humor. He always made sure he told each of us that he loved us before we left from a visit or before hanging up on the phone. We love you Steve and we will miss you and miss talking to you every day! The pain is gone now Steve, we know you are happy now in Heaven with Stevie, Dick, our parents, grandparents, and family.
Thanks to Ashby Home Health & Hospice for all their help and especially to Samantha. Thanks also to his neighbors and especially to Robbin, who ran errands for Steve.
Steve is survived by his son, Jon Keller; daughter, Stephanie Chavez; stepson, Raymond (Krista) Grant, all in Ramona, CA. He is also survived by his brothers; Dennis (Violet) Keller, Rock Springs, WY; Joe (Gina) Keller, Price, UT; and sisters; Karen Belich, Cedar City, UT; Stacey (Robert) Moon, Rawlins, WY. He is survived by his grandchildren; Isabel, Samantha, and Kyle; step-grandchildren; Angelina, Kira, and Ally. Also Steve is survived by many loving nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins, an aunt, and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Keller, Jr.; brother, Richard (Dick) Keller; Parents and Grandparents.
Steve’s wishes were to have no services. There will be a family graveside service at a later date.