We express our deepest gratitude for the love and memories we have with our Husband, Dad, Father-in-Law, and Grandpa, Douglas Paul Kettle. He passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, from a rare form of cancer. Today, we’re holding tight to his favorite saying, “It will all work out!”
Doug was born February 27, 1945, in Roosevelt, Utah to Elton and Ardis Kettle. When he was 11 years old, his family moved to Taylorsville so his brother and sister could receive medical care for a rare genetic condition that left them physically disabled. Living alongside Denny and
Rose and watching his parents worry and care for them, gave him compassion—the lens through which he viewed people and situations.
He graduated from Granger High School where he participated in student government and played football. Following high school, he joined the Utah National Guard and was called to active duty during the race riots of 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia. After finishing active duty, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. He often said that these experiences shaped his faith and vision for the kind of life he wanted to live.
When he returned home, he attended Brigham Young University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in public administration. He said the greatest thing to come out of BYU was our mom, Charlene Johnson. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 29, 1968. And together, they created a home full of love, encouragement, and support for their six children, Michelle, Kim, Lori, Jeff, Cari, and Daniel.
Doug was the CFO of Valley Mental Health, where he spent 35 years helping to create programs and improve services for people suffering from mental illness. He loved this work and found purpose in advocating for people with mental health challenges, many of whom had no
one else. He often said that one of his life’s blessings was the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful and dedicated colleagues over the span of three decades.
Our dad loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop, high councilor, Young Men’s president, and Sunday School teacher. Above all, he was an example of what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ with the people you are closest to.
He loved backpacking and camping with his family and friends. He enjoyed his yard and planted a vegetable garden every year—including this year! He went to the Sports Mall almost every day for 45 years, playing racquetball 3 times a week for many of those years. But he showed us that his greatest happiness was found in family life, spending time with us. He was our cheerleader. We will miss his bright outlook, sense of humor, and his calls to say, “I just want to check on you.”
Doug is survived by his wife, Charlene and his children, Michelle (Michael) Torsak, Kim Kettle, Lori (Adam) Hunt, Jeff (Tyler) Kettle, Cari (Peter) Stevenson, and Daniel (Heidi) Kettle, as well as 15 grandchildren who he adores: Ethan, Cambria, Milo, Ellie, Sienna, Parker, Addison, Marcus, Dax, Blake, Cameron, Emri, Emmett, Grey, and Ollie.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Ardis Kettle; his sisters, LaRane, Rose, and Debra (Barlow); his brothers, Denny and Stephen; and his brother-in-law Duncan Barlow. And Charlene’s parents, Wayne and Dorothy Johnson. We’re picturing an exciting reunion!
We are grateful for our dad’s intentional and consistent influence on our lives. For his good example. He made us feel like we were his favorite people because that’s how he treated us. Today, we are especially grateful for Jesus Christ. That because of Him, this is not the end.
We thank Dr. Whisenant and Dr. Garner and the amazing nurses at Utah Cancer Specialists. Your care extended our dad’s life and gave us the 18 months we prayed for. And thank you to Heidi Woker for bringing him comfort and bringing us courage in these final weeks.
There will be a viewing Friday, June 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22 at 11:00am in the Eastdell Chapel, located at 9855 South 2300 East in Sandy. There will be a viewing prior to the service in the Relief Society room from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Dear Kettle family,
Although our paths crossed briefly, we are very honored to have met Douglas. What a joyous man, even through life's challenges.
May the memories you share bring peace, comfort and laughter to carry you forward in the days ahead.
Sending our love,
Friends at Suncrest Hospice
A mighty oak has fallen. Doug was a giant of a man in his Christlike treatment of others. He was a devoted disciple of Christ. He served, loved and gave freely to those around him. He always had a smile and a kind word to share. He will be dearly missed.
Sending my love to you all at this most difficult time.🍃
An incredible influential man and Bishop in our lives..!
He really changed my life forever...
And we bought a house we lived in and loved for 38 years
from Doug!
So sorry to hear of his passing..
Love always,
Jerry and Monique
We send our love to our sweet friends and former neighbors !! It has been a privilege to know your whole family! At this tender time, we wish you all to have the peace and faith your father shared.. May our Father in Heaven keep you close. May you have the beautiful memories to remember your amazing father.
We love you all!!!
Phil and Sue McCraley
Doug Kettle was amazing and the memories of his influence in all his undertakings will live on. He was a wonderful leader and example to all with whom he came in contact. My heart goes out to family. I have been blessed to work with his daughters Lori and Kim who have been influenced by their father.
Love and Aloha to the Kettle family.
Families are Forever. You will be in our hearts and prayers during this time and for always.
Your Faith will guide you.
“Two hands of a prayer “ to you and your Ohana.
Love, Tyler and Julie Ryan
Dear Kettle Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was such a wonderful man, full of wisdom and knowledge, He was very personable and I enjoyed my interactions with him at VMH. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of your Dad during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
We have wonderful memories of Doug as our first Bishop after we got married. He always exuded kindness and an infectious joy for living. We love you and your family Charlene and are thinking of you all and hoping you can find joy in your memories. Craig & Alison Gunther
Sweet Charleen,
We are so very sad to hear of Doug’s illness & passing! He is such a lovely man! Your family is in our hearts & prayers and we mourn with you. We pray the Lord’s spirit will buoy you & yours up thru this challenge that seems to have come way too soon!
Love & hugs from Chris & Lynden Chipping
Douglas was a wonderful person. One of our favorite friends. He was positive, kind, always with a joke. We will miss him!!!
Doug was a green elder in Oklahoma City when I met him we served for several months together before I came home in 1964. He was a great and dedicated missionary and loved teaching the Gospel. Always had that smile and made others feel good.
Douglas was such an amazing man. He always had a smile on his face even when going through chemo. I loved when I got to be his nurse. He will be so missed. You can tell he was always surrounded by love.
Dear Charlene and familly,
I was saddened to learn Doug finally succumbed to the monster cancer. I know how difficult it will be for you and the family. How blessed you are to have the wonderful memories of happier times to reflect back on. The gospel assures us of
families reuniting and continuing life for eternity and I am so grateful for this wonderful
Send you my love . I will miss Doug. He was so kind and good to me.
Connie de Mik
Dear Kettle family,
I just heard today ( July 18, 2024) that one of my best friends in my youth passed away. It broke my heart to not be able to give him my condolences and respect at his funeral. We were such good friends. I loved him so much. We were in the same ward for a few years before they split our ward. We did scouts together. We were in priesthood quorum’s together. He was an amazing person. I will never be able to thank him enough for his kindness to me in those early years of my life. He definitely was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I know where he is now. He is one of God’s greatest creations. Thank you Doug. I will never forget you.
Doug, I am heartbroken about your passing. You were an absolute joy to speak with. I will always remember us bantering and making light of hard days not knowing what you were growing through. You were always kind, gentle, and sweet. Charlene and family, may you find peace and comfort in healing. We will greatly miss you, Doug.
