Nancy Kay (Keller) Whitley

Nancy Kay Whitley, 86, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Ogden, Utah, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 13, 1939, in Salt Lake City to Louis and Catherine Keller. Nancy lived a life devoted to her family, community, and country. Her kindness, creativity, and quiet strength will continue to bless generations to come.

Nancy graciously accepted every opportunity that life presented. She met George Henry Whitley III in the 8th grade, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime. They were married on November 27, 1957, in Salt Lake City and later sealed in 1960 for time and all eternity.

Nancy and George began their life together with a young family, welcoming their daughter Carrie and son Lowell, while navigating the demands and adventures of military life. Through her devotion, strength, and encouragement, Nancy faithfully supported George as he built his career in the United States Air Force, ultimately becoming a Captain. She loved being an officer’s wife and served fellow military families in many capacities, including working with family services while stationed in Japan, and teaching ceramics classes during their time in Florida.

After making their home in Riverdale, Utah, Nancy’s talent for creating art out of needle and thread grew into a noteworthy career. She published cross-stitch books, taught at retreats, and helped stitchers of all skill levels develop their craft. In addition to exquisite cross stitching, Nancy’s creativity extended to crocheting, knitting, tatting, ceramics, flower arranging, and even creating masterpieces in the kitchen.

Together, George and Nancy served their community in countless ways. Nancy loved the young women she met while they served an LDS Mission to the Jefferson Ward in Ogden. George and Nancy were dedicated members of the Lions Club where Nancy served as District Governor, volunteered for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and made lasting contributions through the John Moran Eye Center.

Nancy loved gathering with friends and family and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. She often marveled at the large and loving extended family she and George had built through their children and grandchildren. Her Christmas Eve dinner became a cherished tradition, one that her family continues to honor each year, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren treasure memories of Easter celebrations and camping trips to East Canyon and Grey’s River. Nancy delighted in Swiss Days and frequent visits to the Hale Centre Theater, where she enjoyed supporting the arts and creating lasting memories. She approached life with curiosity and joy, always open to new adventures, and making friends wherever she went—truly, she never met a stranger. Her heart was as vast as the collection of treasures she gathered from across the globe. She is cherished by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will always remember her warmth, love, and special moments they shared.

Nancy is survived by her son, Lowell (Jill) Whitley; son-in-law, Dave Helm; grandchildren, Shawn (Heidi) Helm, Bryan Helm, Kalecia (Brandon) Hulsey, Amberly (Josh) Johnson, Amanda (Joe) Cross, Steven (Spring) Whitley, and Amy (Kyle) Ellis; granddaughter-in-law, Tara Whitley; and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Scott (Vickie) Keller and Mike (Janet) Rogers; and a multitude of dear friends whose lives she touched.

Nancy is certainly enjoying a beautiful heavenly reunion with her beloved husband, George; her daughter, Carrie; her grandchildren, Kirsten and Weston; her sister, Pam; and her dear parents, Louis and Catherine Keller.

We would like to thank those at Symbii Home Health and Hospice Team, Legacy House of Ogden, and Chancellor Garden’s for their kind and personable care of Nancy.

As we bid farewell to Nancy, her legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will remain with us, forever a guiding light in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Nancy’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.