*** To view a livestream of Deanne's Funeral Service, please visit https://memorialutah.com/obituaries/deanne-bement-utley/ ***

Our beautiful, strong, courageous and loving mom, Deanne B. Utley, passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2023 in West Valley City, Utah. She was born December 5,1923 in Kanosh, Utah to Seymour Guy and Elvira George Bement. She was one of four children and weighed 3 ½ pounds at birth (so tiny she fit in a shoebox). She attended Millard High School where she was an excellent student, a cheerleader and participated in many other extracurricular activities including pep club, band and dance. Heber Ferrall Johnson fell in love with her the first time he saw her dance in high school. They were married June 30, 1941. Their son Rondo was two and their daughter Ilauna was not yet born when he died for his country in Lorraine, France on October 22, 1944 in the battle at Moncourt Woods. After World War II Deanne reconnected with Val Dean Utley who had also had his eyes on her since he was 14. They married on December 17, 1948. They had two children together: a son Chris and a daughter Shauna – they were now a family of six.

Deanne was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she held many positions. One of her favorite callings was Guide Patrol Leader where she made a real impact on the lives of many young men. She and Val loved going to the Temple and filled many assignments. Deanne loved to dance! She started in 3rd grade and continued into her 80’s when she was a Clogging Grandmother and entertained at the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. She and Val were beautiful ballroom dancers and served as Regional Dance Directors for the church for over 20 years; they helped produce Gold and Green Balls and dance festivals held at what is now Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah. Deanne was dedicated to her family and helping others. Everyone looked forward to her family parties, especially her Christmas and Halloween parties. She took great pleasure in baking, especially with her grandkids and later her great grandkids. She learned to ski at 50 and her grandkids were delighted to be able to ski with her. She relaxed by working in her garden, hiking “her mountain” and near the end, just walking in her neighborhood listening to the birds and planes overhead, watching the clouds as best she could and greeting friends and neighbors along the way – all gave her peace and joy. She also worked outside the home, always going above and beyond. She was a valued employee at ZCMI, Tracy Collins Bank, Universal Mortgage and The Southwest Shop.

Deanne is survived by her children, Ilauna Gurr (John), Chris Utley (Sheri) and Shauna Tonioli; 18 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren (and still counting). She will be celebrating her 100th birthday with those who preceded her in death: her husbands, parents, siblings, son Rondo, son-in-law Dave Tonioli, grandson Travis, and great grandsons Tyler, Justin and Jeremy, as well as many other loved ones.

Thank you to all the caregivers that helped mom through her most difficult times. A special thank you to Kathy with Visiting Angels; you truly are an angel. Inspiration Hospice sent us Jana and Damaris who were gentle, kind, loving, and respectful as they checked her health and helped her with personal care. Kasey and Tirzah brightened her day, serenading her with favorite songs from the past. Then there were the “good looking dudes”, especially Tom and Andy, who kept her spirits up and her body moving; she never forgot you. She loved you all! Thanks also to Pat with Visiting Angels and Carole with SCA. Without your help it would have been so much harder for mom to stay in her home.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Hunter Village Ward, 3450 South 6400 West, West Valley City with a viewing beforehand at 10:00 am for friends and family.

Internment will follow services at Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd.

(approximately 7800 South).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.