After valiantly struggling with health challenges for many years, Teddy Lou Kelson passed away peacefully at home with family and friends gathered around on January 19, 2022.
Teddy was born November 25, 1940 in Hollywood California to Shirley Hoopes Jensen and Gwen Thomson. The family lived in Los Angeles until 1943 before Shirley moved them to Boise, Idaho. There Shirley built a dental business. In 1945 a sister, Staccie was born.
Shirley died unexpectedly in 1951 which necessitated a move to Inglewood California. After 7 years living with Shirley’s mother, the little family moved to an apartment on their own. Teddy graduated from George Washington High School, Los Angeles where she was active in social clubs and student government. She was awarded a scholarship to Magic Mirror beauty school. Before full employment at Magic Mirror, Teddy made wood fiber flower corsages and went door to door selling them. Plus, asking several businesses to display the corsages for sale. Teddy was about 11. Then at 14 she found a job at Lerner’s Department store and managed it at 16. Mom said Teddy had to earn her own money for her many activities. This is where Teddy learned to shop and, shop she did. Teddy said if she ever needed anything she would always find it.
Teddy met Frank Kelson at age 11 when Frank was the Jr Home Teacher at 13. They were married in the Los Angeles, California temple in 1962. Their first home was in Lawndale, California where Todd was born. Frank moved his family to West Lake Village California where they were joined by 2 more sons, Wade and Shane.
The beach loving Teddy had to acclimate to Utah when they moved to Pepperwood, then Little Cottonwood Canyon. Another move to Draper Utah finally found them settled. Teddy was the major factor in the building of 4 homes from lumber to wall paper. Decorating was her forte.
Teddy was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many varied callings. From Young Single Adults, a Temple Ordinance Worker, working within the Relief Society and her favorite, working with the Young Women.
Teddy has been described as classy, beautiful, and always fun. Her parties and decorating were legendary. Teddy was an Interior designer into her 70’s. When she could no longer decorate, she took up painting, going in her wheelchair until she was unable to hold a brush in her hand.
Teddy loved her family and would do what was needed. She had her annual Christmas Cookie decorating followed by a children’s nativity. Highlight was trying to gather her family for the 59 successive Christmas card picture.
She worked diligently to keep the family together. She was known to hunt down former friends and family. They could never get away with a phone call, there was always a visit. Teddy did not do Genealogy, she practiced Genealogy.
Teddy was preceded in death by two grandsons, Casey and Broc. She is survived by her beloved Frank, 3 sons Todd (Kelli), Wade (Carrie), Shane and her sister Staccie. Teddy has eleven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday evening, January 28th from 6-8pm in the Corner Canyon Stake Center. 13366 South 1300 East, Draper, Utah.
Saturday January 29th, a short viewing will be held at 10am, followed by the services beginning at 11am in the Corner Canyon Stake Center Chapel. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Garden Cemetery, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) Sandy.
Service Zoom Link: http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/view/9BF5
Code: 41755
Frank,
Alice and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Words never come easy at a time like this, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Such a blessing to have knowledge of the great plan.
Frank I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of Teddy. She truly was such a lovely woman. Prayers are with you and your family.
Frank. I am sorry to hear of Teddy’s passing but really I am so very happy for her graduation on to greater things. She was not a spirit to be bound down by age. I loved her sense of life but also her kindness whenever she was with you. I was her visiting teacher during the last few years of her mothers life and I learned much from her example, not knowing my own mother would soon be in need of care. Jeff and I are still serving in Ecuador on a medical mission but we are so glad the news made it all the way down here. We loved reading Teddy’s obituary and wanted to send our love and best wishes to you for all your kindnesses to us over the years.
Jeff and Victoria
Dearest Todd and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are never ready to lose a Mother regardless of age. We cherished our time in Utah and the Ashley Park Ward. You were the dearest family and we have enjoyed following you and your family on Facebook. We never knew your Mom, but have no doubt what a wonderful woman she was. Because you are and amazing man that any Mom would be proud of.
Love and Blessings,
The Sasse's
Dear Frank & family,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Teddy. I am sorry that she had to suffer as much as she did
before returning home. I am grateful that she no longer has to go through all that she did. Her strength to face all that she did was amazing.
Teddy was such a fun lady & I enjoyed the few trips I was invited on several years ago to go to places in
California where I got to purchase items that I never would have found in Utah.
I was exposed to cooking that I would not have learned about if I had not been involved in a few occasions where parties were held in her backyard.
She had a great sense of humor. She was a fashion statement. Her decorating abilities were well known.
I hope that each of you will feel of the peace that our Heavenly Father blesses those who mourn the loss
of someone they truly love.
Sending you my most sincere & best wishes during this period of time in your lives. Love, JoAnn Stokes
My deepest sympathies to the family, Frank, Shane, Wade and Todd. I admired Teddy so much. Her vivacious personality, her incredible style, her beauty, and kindness! She was simply wonderful!
All my love,
Julie Long
Frank,
Today Jim and I have hearts our of gratitude for the blessing of having both of you in our lives. As Teddy leaves us we are so aware of the bright light she was in our time in Draper. I always have said “I want to be just like her when I grow up!” And that’s not an idle comment as she remains a frequent voice in my head as my life moves forward. We pray our Heavenly Father’s choicest blessings of peace will be with you and your children in the coming days.
We love you,
Jim and Char Christensen