Athlen Olsen Keller, age 93, passed away at home on November 29, 2021 in Price, Utah. Athlen was born to loving parents, Charles Landvig Olsen and Joan Gladys Paulsen, on April 21, 1928 at their Willow Creek farm just south of Ephraim, Utah. Athlen, a twin, was born just minutes after her sister Aleth, her lifelong best friend.
After five years on the farm, Athlen’s father, Landvig, passed away, and they moved into town. Athlen attended school in Ephraim and graduated from Ephraim High School (Snow High) in 1946. She attended Snow College for one year. In 1947 she entered the LDS Hospital School of Nursing in Salt Lake City. She graduated in 1950, also receiving a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Utah. Athlen worked at LDS Hospital for a year following graduation, then was employed as the public health nurse for South Sanpete.
While working in Sanpete, Athlen met Daniel Clark Keller, of Manti, a law student at the University of Utah. After a sweet courtship, they were married in the Manti Temple on September 15, 1952. Following Dan’s graduation, they moved to Price in 1953, where they made their permanent home.
Eight precious children were born to Athlen and Dan, and Athlen filled many roles as her children grew: breadmaker, seamstress, Cub Scout leader, and neighborhood nurse, to name a few. Athlen enjoyed reading, crocheting, and canning fruits and vegetables grown in their garden. She was an excellent cook and memories of her sourdough pancake breakfasts and roast beef Sunday dinners linger in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Fish Lake was the center of the world for Athlen and Dan and their family and friends. Many choice memories were created there at the family cabin.
Athlen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Dan served a couples mission to Anaheim, California from 1996 to 1997. Athlen’s favorite time spent with Dan was when they served together as temple workers in the Manti Temple from 1998 to 2007.
Athlen was patient, kind, soft-spoken and intelligent. Her family was her life and joy. She is survived by her children: Michael (Lana) Keller, Karen (Greg) Hunt, John (Linda) Keller, Joan (Jim) Vogel, Richard Keller (Sheldon Stack), Mary Ann (Marcus) Detlor, Caroline (Ricky) Phinney; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Athlen is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clark Keller; parents, Landvig and Joan Olsen; sister, Aleth Olsen Simmons; infant son, Joseph; and great-granddaughter, Ave Bethany Unsworth.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to Primary Children’s Medical Center.
The family would like to thank Community Nursing Services for their tender and compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Price 4th Ward LDS Chapel (545 East 400 North) with a viewing before the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Manti City Cemetery.
A live stream of the service will be posted on mitchellfuneralhome.net. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where family and friends may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net