Ray Kelsey

    Raymond Keith Kelsey age 83, of Duchesne, Utah passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2025.
    Ray was born on the kitchen table in his mother’s home on October 24, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents were Keith Kelsey and Louise Kelsey Myers.
    Ray found the love of his life at a young age. Her name was Linda Hanson. They were married on September 26, 1959 in Orem, Utah. They had a very long life together. Linda preceded him in death on August 30, 2019. After her death, Ray worked very hard in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to be sealed in the holy bond of matrimony for time and eternity to Linda, which he finally accomplished on April 22, 2025.
    Ray grew up in Orem, Utah, where he had a great childhood exploring along the banks of the Provo river scuba fishing. He would find a rock in the edge of the river and stick his head underneath with his scuba mask on. If he saw a fish, he would slowly put his hand under the fish and gently stroke it until he got up to the gills and he would  grab it and pull it out!
    Ray loved hiking in the mountains nearby in Orem. He had many stories about hiking to Squaw Peak and the old Buckley mine.
    He enjoyed camping where he would take his family almost every weekend into the mountains to enjoy the wonders of mother nature. Ray and Linda moved to Salt Lake City, where he worked concrete construction for 40 years. Ray also loved to garden. He always had a very beautiful garden and he would have his children help him maintain it. He was highly skilled in woodworking and building things, he was a master at wood carving. He sculpted, hummingbird statues and various deer and elk paper towel holders. His mother was also quite an artist so we think he got his talent from her. Ray and Linda bought Property in Duchesne County that they built into a paradise and lived out their days there. You would have to see it to appreciate all the work that they have done. He raised rabbits, chickens, pheasants, and turkeys.
    Ray was quite the prankster! Many people fell victim to his pranks. The old elk horn whistle that he made was a beautiful horn. He would talk people into blowing into it, knowing that it was filled with talcum powder and would blow directly into their face. He could talk anyone into trying his hot peppers as well.
    Ray is survived by his children, Tony and Laura Kelsey Phoenix, Arizona; Debbie and Doug Miller Murray, Utah; Rick and Allison Kelsey Cottonwood Heights; Leon and DeAnn Kelsey Murray, Utah; Ray had 10 grandchildren: Jeremy Van Horn, Cristena Van Horn, Anthony Kelsey, Alicia Densley, Brittany Kelsey, Michelle Kelsey, Sydnee Rocheleau, Alina Bigler, Brayden Bigler, Ricky Kelsey; 17 great grandchildren:. Kelsey Clift, Dylan Van Horn, Maliyah Allen, Kailyn Densley, Kayden Boytnon, Kassie Densley, Aria Kelsey, Dax Terry, Payton Seymour, Kourtney Densely, Parker Seymour, Livie Terry, Paisley Kelsey, Brielle Allen, Linkin Lenny and Theo Rocheleau; and one great-great grandchild, Miles Tello. He is also survived by his siblings, Sherry Hatfield and David Kelsey
    We don’t want to forget Dad‘s best friend through these final years has been his faithful dog Buddy. Buddy stood by his side and watched after him for years. And we also would like to mention, and thank Michelle Haddow, who has been up on the property with Dad to watch over him and be his companion in his final years . He was so thankful for her companionship.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Keith, the love of his life, Linda, and his siblings, Rex Kelsey, Karen McGee, Tim Kelsey, and Brian Kelsey.
    Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Fruitland, Utah, (46250 W. 6000 S.) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from  11 AM to 1 PM.