HELEN BENNETT WIGHT KELLER

Helen Bennett Wight Keller, 78, passed away peacefully in the night on June 18, 2012, after a prolonged and debilitating struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Malad, ID to Lyman Alma Wight and Mary Elnora Bennett on February 21, 1934, Helen was the youngest of four children. She grew up at the side of her mother and grandmother, learning how to crochet, knit, quilt and cook. She graduated from Malad High School in 1952, worked as a secretary in the Oneida County Extension office, and also at Thiokol Chemical Corp.

She married Preston Lloyd Keller on October 4, 1958 in Brigham City, UT. Preston had just started Keller Brothers Construction Co. with his brother, Maurice. Later they bought and operated a fruit farm in Perry. Helen’s legendary work ethic made her a thrifty, hard working homemaker. Bottling fruits and vegetables, picking peaches, beans, corn, raspberries, cherries and canning preserves were annual events in addition to operating her own beauty salon.

She is survived by husband, Preston Lloyd Keller, and four boys: Alan (Kyle Jean), Portland, OR; Ken (Kristen) Holladay; K. Brent (Ann), Pleasant View, UT; and David, Roy, UT, and their respective families. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Frank and Lyman Wight; and is survived by her older sister, Mary Alice Williams; 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Helen exemplified a lifetime of compassionate service and devotion to the Lord. She supported her husband in six bishoprics, her three sons on their respective missions to South America, and finally serving full time missions with Preston in Oklahoma, Australia and Canada. Even with advanced Alzheimer’s Disease, she would consistently and instinctively seek out other residents who needed aide and comfort.

Those who knew Helen as a sister, mother, grandmother, neighbor, friend and wife, can each attest warmly that she lift the world a much better place for all. She will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to be in her life.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Christ-like professional angels and staff at the Peachtree Memory Care Unit in Roy, UT, who all cared patiently and compassionately for her. They truly made her final months of life the best that they could be.

Funeral services will be held June 23 at the Perry 8th LDS meeting house. Interment will be at the Mantua Cemetery.