JoEllen Stephans Keyes

JoEllen Stephans Keyes, beloved mother, sister, daughter and friend, passed away in St. George, Utah on August 12, 2015.

Jody was born to David and Jane B. Stephans on August 11, 1952 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is now with her loving mother Jane, whom she lost August 5, 2013. She will always be remembered for her radiant smile and infectious laugh. Though only five feet two inches tall, her spirit was made giant by her tenacity and perseverance, as well as her capacity to love, share and listen to those around her. Jody was passionate in the way she lived her life: a traveler, animal lover, mother, friend and vibrant conversationalist.

Jody graduated from Purdue University in 1972 with an Associate Degree in Nursing, followed by her Certificate of Anesthesia in 1975 from Ohio State University. After dedicating herself to raising her children in 1986, she re-entered the medical field in 2007 as a Nurse Liaison and Case Manager for the University of Utah. In 2011 Jody accepted a position with the HealthSouth Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Salt Lake City where she worked until May 2015 when she relocated to St. George.

As a testament to her fighting spirit Jody competed in sprint triathlons in her late 50s and acquired a Masters Degree in Strategic Leadership from Stephens College in 2012, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors. Jody enjoyed playing her piano, throwing impromptu dinner parties for eight or backyard barbeques for 100. Her home was always warm and welcoming with her greatest joy coming from time spent with her family and friends.

Jody loved her three dogs Bert, Penelope, Oliver and the many animals that came before with whom she is now reunited.

Jody is survived by her two children Taylor and Fletcher Keyes; her sister Marcia Stephans Flood; and her father David Stephans. She was loved by them utterly and will be missed every day.

A celebration of Jody's life will take place on Friday August 21st, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 22nd at the St. Mary's Old Town Chapel, 121 Park Avenue in Park City, Utah. Interment to follow at Park City Cemetery.