WILLIAMSBURG — Marilyn Rose Oram Keyes died peacefully with her daughter at her side Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. She was born in Ogden, Utah, to Gloyd H. and Rosa Belle Oram, the youngest of three children.
She graduated from Box Elder High School in 1955. Later that year, she married LaMar “Mim” Davis in Brigham City, Utah. They had three children together, Lael, Cami and Don. They later divorced. Marilyn put herself through nursing school at Weber State College, while waiting tables at Maddox Ranch House, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She worked as an R.N. at St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden.
She married Dr. Gale H. Keyes, an oncologist and the love of her life, in July of 1972, and they enjoyed many happy years together. They traveled extensively, taking several ski trips to Colorado, boating at Lake Powell and visiting Canada, Mexico and New Zealand among many other places. They also enjoyed taking trips in their motorhome with their group of travel buddies.
Marilyn loved gardening, taking care of their home and took a lot of pride in it. She loved to cook, and her wonderful raspberry jam is a legend with her family. She loved music, with John Denver being one of her favorites. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Gale were sealed in the Washington, D.C., temple.
Later in life, she relocated to Williamsburg, where she spent the last 20 years. She enjoyed living closer to her daughter’s family and made lots of new friends. She liked the colonial history and museums the area had to offer. She also loved Jazzercise, wearing hats, and pink was her signature color. Marilyn was a generous, feisty, independent woman with a great sense of humor and style. She will be truly missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband; her beloved daughter, Cami Davis Jensen; granddaughter, Micaela Jensen Aussem; brother, Donald J. Oram; sister, Betty Donaldson; and faithful canine companion “Dolly.”
Marilyn is survived by daughter, Lael Davis White of Williamsburg; son, Donald Davis, Brigham City, Utah; grandchildren, Marika Pickett of Auckland, New Zealand; Amy Jensen Downs of Layton Utah; Tawny Davis of Ogden Utah; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and six stepchildren, Gregory E. Keyes, M.D. (Pamela), Roger J. Keyes, Jeanne Ann Gaz (Randall, M.D.), Ted W. Keyes, M.D. (Hope), John M. Keyes (Merilynn), Brian R. Keyes, Ph.D. (Sheila), and their families.
Marilyn will be laid to rest next to her husband at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, Ogden, Utah. There will be a brief gathering at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary with a graveside service following at 11 a.m. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
