Judi Keith

Julia Rae Peterson Keith, affectionately known as Judi (and sometimes “Little Jackie” when she was being stubborn), passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the age of 87, in Roy, Utah.

She was born February 13, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to M. Blaine and Lucile Parry Peterson, just before her father’s graduation from Georgetown University. The family soon returned to Ogden, Utah, where Judi grew up with her brother Richard Blaine and younger siblings Thomas Parry and Marylu. Their childhood was filled with skiing at Snow Basin, breakfasts at South Fork in Ogden Canyon, and summers at the beloved family cabin, 40 Pines, in Island Park, Idaho.

Just before her senior year, the family moved to Monticello, Utah. Although Judi hoped to stay in Ogden to graduate with her friends, her father reminded her the family “wouldn’t be complete without her.” She went—and quickly made friends, was elected Homecoming Queen, and left Monticello with cherished memories.

After high school, Judi attended Brigham Young University, where she excelled in her studies and competed on the ski team. In 1959, while working at Marquardt, she met the love of her life, Billy Gene Keith. Their first date was waterskiing at Pine View Dam. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 29, 1960, and enjoyed 58 wonderful years together before Bill’s passing in 2018.

In 1964, Judi and Bill made their home in Roy, Utah where they raised their family and lived for more than five decades. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and hospitality and they were blessed with many dear friends and neighbors who became like family.

Together they raised four children: Daniel Brian (Janet) Keith, Diane (Greg) Hall, Susanne (Rett) Moon, and Shannon Rachel (Brian) Zaugg. Judi was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured her heart into her family.

Judi was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her Savior deeply, often saying, “Where would we be without Him?” She served in Primary as a teacher, chorister, and member of the Stake Primary presidency, in Ward and Stake Young Women presidencies, and in Relief Society, where her last calling was Compassionate Service Leader. With Bill, she treasured her service mission at Temple Square.

She worked as a secretary in medical billing and gave years of community service as an election judge every November. She was proud of her blue-dog Democrat roots and enjoyed engaging in thoughtful discussions. Judi loved simple pleasures too—bowling on Thursdays, crocheting, sewing, and making her home warm and welcoming.

Judi was also a loyal sports fan. She woke her children up by singing the BYU Cougar Fight Song, “Rise and Shout,” and remained a true blue Cougar until the end. She also cheered passionately for the Utah Jazz, rarely missing a game.

Her life was rich with faith, family, laughter, and service. Judi leaves behind a legacy of love, testimony, and kindness that will continue through her posterity.

She is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her siblings Thomas Parry Peterson and Marylu Peterson Johnson, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, and her brother Richard Blaine Peterson.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff—her “best friends”—at Sunridge Assisted Living in Roy, who cared for Judi with love and compassion.

Services: Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Hooper City Cemetery, 4290 S. 6300 W. Friends may visit with the family prior from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after the graveside service at the church building located at 5375 S. 5900 W., Hooper. Please bring a memory to share and, if you wish, wear a little yellow—Judi’s favorite color.