Claudia Elaine (Hardy) Kesler

Claudia Elaine Hardy Kesler

November 6, 1940 – December 21, 2025

Claudia Elaine Hardy Kesler, age 85, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She was born on November 6, 1940, in Nampa, Idaho, to Orvial Reno Hardy and Evelyn Beryl Blakeslee Hardy. Claudia was the youngest of five children, with three sisters and one brother, and was raised in a loving home grounded in faith and family.

Although Claudia was primarily raised in Fresno, California, her family moved frequently due to her father’s work in construction. One place she especially loved was Morro Bay, California, where she fondly remembered living along the cliffs and exploring the beaches.

After graduating from high school, Claudia attended Brigham Young University, where she met the love of her life, Orson Kesler. Their courtship was brief but inspired, and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 21, 1961. Their marriage was the foundation of a life devoted to family, faith, and service.

Claudia completed cosmetology school and earned her certification, supporting Orson as he pursued his education in chiropractic college. Following his graduation, they established their home in Midvale, Utah, where they raised six sons. Claudia devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, finding great joy in her role as a wife and mother.

In addition to her family responsibilities, Claudia nurtured many talents and interests, including art, sewing, choir, and clogging. She also served as an elementary school teacher for several years, where she showed special compassion for children who were struggling.

Claudia was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. After retiring to Alpine, Utah, she and Orson were blessed with the opportunity to serve a mission to South Africa from 2004 to 2005. They treasured this experience and often spoke of it as one of the great blessings of their lives.

Claudia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orson, and her fourth son, Phillip. Her family takes comfort in the assurance of a joyful reunion and eternal family ties. She is survived by her sister; Carol DeGraff; her sons; Matt (Tauna), Dan (Melisa), Ken, Aaron (Sina), and Stephen (Morgann); her daughter-in-law; Heidi (Phillip); 16 grandchildren; and 8 great- grandchildren, all of whom were a source of deep joy and pride to her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Village Way Chapel, located at 901 East Village Way, Alpine, Utah 84004. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Midvale City Cemetery, located at 471 6th Avenue, Midvale, Utah 84047.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claudia Elaine (Hardy) Kesler, please visit our floral store.