Delene Keddington
May 13, 1936 — February 19, 2017
Delene Keddington
Our dear wife, mother and friend, Delene Keddington, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2017, from complications related to advanced Alzheimer's disease. Her husband of 63 years, Gerald "Jerry" Keddington and several of her children were at her side.
Born May 13, 1936, to Lila and Warner Hardy, Delene was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her spirit and personality were truly larger than life; she was an amazing woman - extremely bright, strong-willed, competitive, loving, caring, and fearless.
In her early years, Delene attended East High School, where she met her future husband Jerry. They were married April 21, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, and then moved East, raising their family in the Midwest (primarily in Northwest Indiana). During that time, Delene earned her B.S. in Education from Chicago State University, then a Master's degree in Education from Valparaiso University, then went on to teach high school, where she taught everything from remedial reading, to speech, and creative writing. She additionally coached tennis, led the National Honor Society, and was active in the Teacher's Union. During the winter months, she volunteered her time for Ski Patrol at The Pines Ski Resort in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Delene shared her love of education with all her children (biological and otherwise), and was always encouraging them to read (even the National Enquirer, if they'd at least READ). Each, in turn, excelled individually, and became accomplished adults (not to mention ardent readers). She also supported their many sporting endeavors, from skiing, to competitive swimming, softball, horseback riding, and powder puff football.
Maybe most importantly, Delene raised her children to have a love of culture, art, all traditions, and ALL people, regardless of their background, color, race, economics, or age. To Delene, all people were special and had "potential." She LIVED these values, and instilled them in her children. Likewise, she loved animals, and was an advocate for homeless pets - always loving an adopted dog or cat - even the occasional reptile.
After returning to Utah in 1985, Delene volunteered for Brighton Ski Resort's Ski Patrol, which she continued for six years. She also played competitive tennis, rode her bicycle, regularly walked her "pack" of dogs with Jerry. She contributed articles to national magazines as a freelance writer, and focused her boundless love and energy on her beloved grandchildren. Her devoted husband, Jerry, selflessly and singlehandedly cared for her as her disease progressed. Her life was not only prolonged but enhanced by his loving and consistent care.
Special thanks are also due to Bristol Hospice, the Coventry Memory Care, and Aspen Senior Care for their excellent programs and professionalism. Finally the family owes a huge debt of gratitude to Lisa Thomas, RN, for four years of devotion and compassion to both Delene and Jerry.
Delene is preceeded in death by her mother and father (Lila Spickert Hardy and Warner Aaron Hardy), and her brother (Wesley Hardy). She is survived by her husband Gerald "Jerry" Keddington, their four children Judith Keddington (Keith Pflieger), Jerene Stillwagon (Andy Stillwagon), Jodette Clemmons (Mike Clemmons), and David Keddington (Linda Carlson), her sister, Ariel Newman, three grandchildren, Bryan Stillwagon (Courtney), John David Keddington (Samantha), Amy Nielsen (Tanner), and three great-grandchildren, Collin Stillwagon, Colton Keddington, and Madelyn Stillwagon.
If Jesus doesn't already ski, Delene will convince Him that He and The Twelve should come out with her for a lesson. Skiing, after all, is good for the soul.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, February 23, 2:00 p.m. at Coventry Assisted Living, 6898 S. 2300 East, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. All friends and collective family are welcome and encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Delene's memory be honored with a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT (5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741), phone: (435) 644-2001.
Born May 13, 1936, to Lila and Warner Hardy, Delene was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her spirit and personality were truly larger than life; she was an amazing woman - extremely bright, strong-willed, competitive, loving, caring, and fearless.
In her early years, Delene attended East High School, where she met her future husband Jerry. They were married April 21, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, and then moved East, raising their family in the Midwest (primarily in Northwest Indiana). During that time, Delene earned her B.S. in Education from Chicago State University, then a Master's degree in Education from Valparaiso University, then went on to teach high school, where she taught everything from remedial reading, to speech, and creative writing. She additionally coached tennis, led the National Honor Society, and was active in the Teacher's Union. During the winter months, she volunteered her time for Ski Patrol at The Pines Ski Resort in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Delene shared her love of education with all her children (biological and otherwise), and was always encouraging them to read (even the National Enquirer, if they'd at least READ). Each, in turn, excelled individually, and became accomplished adults (not to mention ardent readers). She also supported their many sporting endeavors, from skiing, to competitive swimming, softball, horseback riding, and powder puff football.
Maybe most importantly, Delene raised her children to have a love of culture, art, all traditions, and ALL people, regardless of their background, color, race, economics, or age. To Delene, all people were special and had "potential." She LIVED these values, and instilled them in her children. Likewise, she loved animals, and was an advocate for homeless pets - always loving an adopted dog or cat - even the occasional reptile.
After returning to Utah in 1985, Delene volunteered for Brighton Ski Resort's Ski Patrol, which she continued for six years. She also played competitive tennis, rode her bicycle, regularly walked her "pack" of dogs with Jerry. She contributed articles to national magazines as a freelance writer, and focused her boundless love and energy on her beloved grandchildren. Her devoted husband, Jerry, selflessly and singlehandedly cared for her as her disease progressed. Her life was not only prolonged but enhanced by his loving and consistent care.
Special thanks are also due to Bristol Hospice, the Coventry Memory Care, and Aspen Senior Care for their excellent programs and professionalism. Finally the family owes a huge debt of gratitude to Lisa Thomas, RN, for four years of devotion and compassion to both Delene and Jerry.
Delene is preceeded in death by her mother and father (Lila Spickert Hardy and Warner Aaron Hardy), and her brother (Wesley Hardy). She is survived by her husband Gerald "Jerry" Keddington, their four children Judith Keddington (Keith Pflieger), Jerene Stillwagon (Andy Stillwagon), Jodette Clemmons (Mike Clemmons), and David Keddington (Linda Carlson), her sister, Ariel Newman, three grandchildren, Bryan Stillwagon (Courtney), John David Keddington (Samantha), Amy Nielsen (Tanner), and three great-grandchildren, Collin Stillwagon, Colton Keddington, and Madelyn Stillwagon.
If Jesus doesn't already ski, Delene will convince Him that He and The Twelve should come out with her for a lesson. Skiing, after all, is good for the soul.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, February 23, 2:00 p.m. at Coventry Assisted Living, 6898 S. 2300 East, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. All friends and collective family are welcome and encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Delene's memory be honored with a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT (5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741), phone: (435) 644-2001.
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