Marlene Crow Keller

1931 – 2024

Marlene Crow Keller, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, family member, and dear friend passed away at the age of 93 on September 28, 2024, surrounded by her daughter, Shawna Pickens and granddaughter, Hollie Cederlof-Beckstead.

 Marlene was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 10, 1931, to Rodger William and

Gladys Viola Crow, the last of four children. She grew up in SLC, attended and graduated from South High School, after which she began her lifelong journey of varied careers in retail, travel, and real estate. 

 Married Leroy Pickens, they later divorced. They had 3 children, Shawna, Michael, and Krista. Marlene raised her children as a single mom (during a period when it was not only difficult, but rare) while working at United Airlines as a ticket agent and later, travel agent. One of her proudest moments while at United, was when she met and shook hands with then-presidential candidate and later U.S. President, John F. Kennedy. 

 Married Ralph A Edwards, they were later divorced. Ralph’s children from a previous marriage, Jeff and Wendy Edwards, were a welcome addition to the many family vacations and holidays celebrated during that marriage. In addition to her careers, Marlene enjoyed beautifying her home and surroundings, exploring whatever state in which she resided, and she was active in her community, improving the lives of its citizens. While living in Utah, she served in the Women’s Architectural League and the League of Women Voters and she oversaw the decorations for the Governor’s Inaugural Ball, celebrating Scott Matheson’s election as Governor of Utah. 

 In 1981, Marlene and Leroy Scott Keller rekindled their “long-ago-but-not- forgotten” romance from 25 years prior, when Marlene worked at United Airlines and dated Scott, a handsome, brave, and accomplished WWII veteran, and pilot. They were married in SLC after which Marlene moved to Scott’s home in Kalispell, Montana, where she was stepmother to Scott’s 2 sons and later, welcomed their spouses and even better, more grandchildren. True to her nature of exploring and learning, and by then in her 50’s, Marlene earned her pilot’s license. She also secured her real estate license, matching many lucky clients to their perfect property and home. She was active in her church and community and she and Scott cared for horses, cats, and many incredibly spoiled, but happy dogs. They spent several winters in St. George Utah and eventually purchased a second home in Mesquite Nevada. In 2005, Scott passed away in Montana, after which Marlene moved permanently to their Nevada home. In addition to the many cherished friendships she fostered, Marlene had wonderful and caring neighbors on each side of her in Mesquite. Special hugs and grateful thank you to Connie Gragg and Jan Martin.

 When she was in her late 70’s and early 80’s, Marlene served as a proud and passionate volunteer for both of President Barack Obama’s campaigns, tirelessly knocking on doors, distributing flyers, writing postcards, and making phone calls. She did enjoy a spirited debate, a trait passed on to her children, which made for “lively” and sometimes loud family dinners.

 Marlene was intelligent, inquisitive, and gracious. She embraced all the opportunities, relationships and even challenges that life offered to her. She was an accomplished pianist, spending countless hours playing jazz, movie scores, and of course, Christmas songs, “inviting” her children to join as “volunteer” harmonious voices. She was an excellent snow skier (having grown up with the “Greatest Snow on Earth”), water skier (she loved our summers in Bear Lake, UT), hiker, world traveler and emissary. Through example (and a few disciplinary and passionate “lectures”) she endeavored to pass on her values, work ethic, curiosity, drive, sense of justice, loyalty, good taste, civic responsibility, and appreciation for learning to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

 Preceding her in death, is her husband Leroy Scott Keller, son, Michael Pickens, siblings Betty Middlemiss (Bill), Thomas Crow (Ivy Deane), Jeannine Rokich (John), grandson, Jacob Bleak, grand-nephew Daren Middlemiss, and beloved extended family. 

 Survived by daughters, Shawna and Krista Pickens, Stepsons, Scott Keller II (Mariah), Rob Keller (Nora), much-loved grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Josh Cederlof (Sarah), Hollie Cederlof- Beckstead (Brandon), Sarah Bailey, Rachael DeLand, Angela DeLand Calhoun (John), Nick DeLand (Tammi), Aaron DeLand (Kim), Scotty Keller III (Paula),

 Katherine Keller (Parker Feuge), Carolyn Keller, Caleb Keller, Daniel Keller, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Indeed, a life well lived. 

 The family would like to thank Barton Creek Senior Living in Bountiful, UT for the outstanding staff and the care that they provided to our mom. Additionally, the family is so very grateful for the compassion and care given by the Utah Home Health Care Hospice Team. A special thank you to Season Farrer, RN, for her excellent advice, competent treatment, clear communication, and overall kindness that she extended to our mom, which brought her peace and comfort.

 A viewing will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, SLC UT 84106. She will be interred in Montana next to her husband, Scott, following a graveside service on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at CE. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements made by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, Kalispell, Montana. Pastor Scott Keller II will officiate the graveside service and offer a final blessing.

 On Saturday, November 2, 2024, family and close friends are invited to participate in a celebration of Marlene’s life. For details, contact Shawna or Krista Pickens.