The Keele family moved back to Utah just before the Great Depression. Carol started playing piano at an early age; she accompanied and sang in several of the school choirs at Lincoln High and Provo High. She moved to Salt Lake City to find work; she worked in the “tube room” at ZCMI, at Eitel-McCullough making radar tubes for the war effort, and at the VA.
She roomed with Virginia “Allie” Gregerson; when Virginia’s brother Leland returned home from World War II, he decided Carol was the girl for him; they were married in December 1945 at Fort Douglas. (Marriage later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.) They spent the next 16 years as a military family. Carol and their three children (at the time) kept the home fires burning while he responded to the Korean Conflict. In 1961 Lee retired and the family returned to Utah.
They became active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and Carol served as organist in the Mount Olympus Stake. She taught piano lessons for many years, and served as President of the Salt Lake Chapter of the Utah Music Teachers’ Association. "Back in the day," she sang with the “16th Notes” ladies chorus and “Liberty Belles” Ladies' VFW trio. She loved her family and friends, and enjoyed music, bowling, golf, St. George, and Flaming Gorge.
Survived by six children – Eric (Chris), Jeff (Wendy), Lynne Walters, Debbie Miller, Paul (Mary), and Jennifer; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and beloved brother Max Keele. Preceded in death by husband Leland, son-in-law Nicholas Miller, granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Smith Walters, Carol's parents, eight siblings, and many dear friends. There is surely a joyful reunion taking place among them.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in the Cottonwood 12th Ward, 1750 E Spring Lane, Holladay Utah 84117. Friends may call on Wednesday, April 26 from 6 to 8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek), or on Thursday, April 27 from 10 to 10:45 am at 1750 E Spring Lane (just prior to the funeral, at 1750 E Spring Lane). Interment at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, Bluffdale.
Many thanks to the dedicated healthcare providers at St. Marks Hospital, Encompass Health, LifeCare Rehab, and Bristol Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to Alzheimer’s Association, Disabled American Veterans, or to your favorite charity.
