Clara returned to her Heavenly Father on December 13, 2016 at the age of 73. She was born on April 10, 1943 to James P. and Dorothy Helder Murray in Bremerton, Washington and as a child moved to Utah, which is where she spent the rest of her life. Clara married Roger L. Kehl in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 6, 1969.
Clara’s smile was infectious and she greeted everyone she met with that smile and left them a feeling that they were the most important person in the world. Clara created lifelong friendships with many people who she loved dearly and who in turn loved her. These friends always watched out for their dear Clara when health challenges slowed her down. Despite Clara’s struggles with a variety of health problems, she never complained or felt sorry for herself. She faced each new setback in her life with that infectious smile, her radiant eyes, and a determination to persevere no matter the difficulty. As important her spirit and attitude were, her family will forever be grateful to the countless number of health care specialists who treated Clara for the past 20 years and gave her both a quantity and quality of life that could be considered nothing short of a miracle.
The last 47 years of her life were spent hand in hand with her eternal companion, Roger, who she cherished. Whenever Roger’s name was mentioned, her eyes would sparkle and an expression of love would arise that transcended words. Roger was there for the good times, of which there were many, and the difficult times. He spent countless days and nights at her hospital bedside demonstrating a love that is worthy of eternity.
Clara loved her children and grandchildren. She would do anything for them and they knew it. Each of her children has precious memories with their mom and each of her grandchildren with their grandma. They are blessed to inherit her legacy of living with faith and optimism. Clara’s love for family went hand-in-hand with her love of the Savior and His Gospel. Clara loved serving in the Jordan River Temple and knew that, through the temple, we can return to our Heavenly Father and be with our families forever, which was her ultimate goal.
Clara is survived by her husband; her children: Chad (Melanie) Kehl, Julie (Matt) Thayne, and Tim (Lindsay) Kehl; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Jim and Jean.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley Park 3rd Ward building located at 2603 West 4700 South in Taylorsville, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing on Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Homes, 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville and at the church building on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.
