Encircled by family, Ronda Lorraine Wray Keddington departed this life on May 19, 2017. Born in Blackfoot, Idaho on August 10, 1947 to James Marvin Wray and Clarissa Lorraine Manwaring, she was the first of six children. Ronda was raised as a hardworking farm girl, moving pipe, working the combine, and driving truck on the family farm. She attended Snake River High School where she was on drill team, debate team, and was voted "girl most likely to succeed."At Brigham Young University she performed with the BYU Folk Dancers and graduated with a degree in Germanic Languages.
Anxious to see the world, she spent several months living in Austria then took a job in New York City with the BYU development office. She met Robert Keddington at church, her first Sunday in NYC. Bob was a medical student at Columbia University and when they shook hands she felt as if she'd known him from somewhere. Robert's first thought was, "Where did this beautiful girl come from?"In a matter of months, they fell in love with the east coast, adventure, and especially each other. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on January 23, 1971.
After Bob completed medical school, they moved to Orange, California for his residency. Two years later they settled in Salt Lake City where they built a home in Holladay on a spot of earth Ronda loved. She cherished her yard, her view of the mountain, her vegetable garden, her flowers, and the birds that came to her feeders. She and Bob raised six children there, creating a home and yard where everyone was welcome.
Ronda was a talented pianist. She loved to perform and accompany in her early years and taught piano to her young children. She valued learning and always sought to better herself. With an interest in different cultures, politics, finance, and history, she enjoyed all kinds of books and traveled with Bob internationally and throughout the states. She also loved to study God's word and was often found on the couch with her scriptures open.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ronda served in many different positions, blessing her neighbors, ward, and stake members. She reached out in openhearted friendship to all she knew and found commonality with friends of differing faiths, ages, and backgrounds. If you knew her, she saw the very best in you and loved you without judgement. Ronda devoted her life to her family, and her Savior.
For over 22 years, Ronda fought a valiant battle against brain cancer. Faithful and fearless to the end, she never complained, and she never lost humor. She learned to laugh easily with others and at herself. When challenges came, she trusted completely in her loving Father in Heaven. She knew He had mercifully extended her life. Her favorite scripture was Luke 8:50, "Fear not; believe only."
Ronda doted on her grandchildren who loved her dearly, and adored her husband, Bob, whose patient, and selfless care-giving during the last two years was an exemplary display of eternal, lasting love. As Ronda's six children grew up they became her best friends and each considered it an honor to care for her during her final months.
Ronda was beloved by many. Her strong mind and steady heart inspired hundreds. While there was great mourning after she took her last breath, we know there was rejoicing in heaven where she now walks with her parents and other loved ones, who gently eased her out of our hands and into theirs.
Ronda leaves behind her affectionate husband, Robert Keddington, children: Catherine (Doug) Arveseth, David (Shirlee) Keddington, Deborah (Will) Peterson, Rebecca (Neil) Parkinson, Sarah (Lance) Holman, and Rachel (Eric) Greene, fifteen special grandchildren, and siblings Berkley (Connie) Wray, Candice (Steve) Huffaker, Marva Lu (Kelly) Kesler, Pam (Gary) Eckhardt, and Shelli (Kent) Christiansen. Many thanks to CNS Hospice Services, her nurse Susan, and the many ward members and friends who brought meals, kindness, and joy into Ronda's life.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 25th 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel 4650 Naniloa Drive, Holladay Utah. Viewings Wednesday evening at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy 6-8 PM and Thursday morning at the chapel 9:30-10:30 a.m.
