Name: Viewing for Dennis Kay Smith
Start: 2018-01-24T01:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-01-24T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City

Dennis Kay Smith

Cedar City, UT - Dennis Kay Smith, 67, of Cedar City, Utah passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday January 20, 2018 due to complications from liver cancer.

Dennis was born in Cedar City, Utah on April 25, 1950 to McKay and Norene Heyborne Smith. His youth was spent in the hills east of Cedar City in what many called "Dog Town". While still a student at Cedar High School he began working for Iron County Lumber. He graduated from Cedar High School in 1968. In 1970 he started working for California Pacific, this began his career in the power industry that would last more than 40 years. On August 7, 1970 he married his sweetheart and best friend, Karen Ence. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple on May 28th 1975.

Dennis served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities including Bishop of a young single adult ward and married student ward, and as a counselor to 5 bishops. Dennis loved serving with the youth of the church. He served in the scouting program for 28 years and was instrumental in helping many boys receive the Eagle Award. Dennis was recognized for his years of service with the Silver Beaver Award.

Dennis was a hard worker and jack of all trades. He loved cooking especially for his family and friends. He catered for many work and church functions. Dennis had a knack for fixing and making things from marshmallow and potato guns to heavy duty water balloon launchers and copper bracelets. He was always taking things apart trying to make them bigger and better. He enjoyed working on his Samurai with his grandsons. The last few years he found great solace on Cedar Mountain at the Ence family cabin. Everyone he met quickly became a friend. All were welcome in his home and at his dinner table. Dennis leaves a legacy of love and service.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Smith; son, Brady Kay Smith (Jill); daughter, Michelle Smith; his grandchildren; Mitchell, Logan, Kordell, Carter and Jaycee; mother, Norene Heyborne Smith; sisters, Marilyn Bauer (Lynn), Cindy Rodet (Steve); and many nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his father, McKay Smith; a sister, Terri Christiansen; nephew, Zachary Rodet.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Southern Utah Mortuary. The funeral will be held at the Cedar North Stake Center on Wednesday January 24th with a viewing prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 also at the Cedar North Stake Center. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of the Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com

The family would like to thank Ethan Bunker of Sun Tree Home Health and Hospice and all of the staff at Southwest Cancer Center in Cedar City Utah for the special care they gave.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spectrum & Daily News from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Smith

Sponsored by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.

23 Entries

Chris Marchant

January 17, 2022

It was a joy to re read these messages and his obituary. Over this past year, I must have thought of Dennis fifty times. He was instrumental in my son's lives. My son Jayson joined Dennis on the other side about a year after Dennis' passing. I'm sure they had lots to reminisce about. And laugh about. He was a blessing to all and remains so.

Alan Olsen

April 19, 2018

Dennis was great growing up with you. Working together at Milts. Racing down the canyon after work. We have many great memories having fun, going up on cedar mountain.Rest in peace my friend. Alan Olsen Overland Park Ks.

Chris Marchant

February 1, 2018

Dennis was a kind and loving influence in the lives of my sons. He gave freely of his time and invited them to spend time with him doing interesting activities. His love was genuine. I will always appreciate him.

Phil & Jessica Schmidt

January 29, 2018

Dennis Smith was a Great Example to all! He had a special place in his heart for the Young Adults. He was a fantastic Bishop, we will be eternally grateful for the guidance he gave our son in that capacity. He always had a smile on his face, and a kind word. May the great Plan of Salvation bring you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,

Angie (Turnbeaugh) Goodbar

January 25, 2018

Dear Karen,
Dennis was a good man and one of my favorite people. He always called me Puddin', teasing me for being so skinny. I smile whenever I think of him. May your memories bring you solace.

With Love,

Lisa Holm

January 25, 2018

So many memories come to mind when I think of Dennis smith. He was a friendly loving man that would do anything for anybody. He was a great example of how people can love unconditionally and never ever pass judgement on anyone. Thank you for these lessons Dennis, you will truly be missed.

Vicki Show

January 25, 2018

Karen and family, I will always cherish the memories of our friendship. Dennis was a good friend. He will be dearly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

January 24, 2018

Karen, We are out of town, but want you to know you are in out thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed seeing you two where ever & whenever our paths crossed.

Dawnell Tanner

January 24, 2018

Karen, I'm so sorry about the passing of Dennis, I'm glad I was able to talk to you again. Thank Goodness for the Gospel and The Plan of Salvation. Love you Karen

Glen Miller

January 24, 2018

Karen,
Becky and I are so sorry for your loss. Dennis will be missed by all that knew him. Sending our prayers to you and yours.

Charles and Camille Woolsey

January 23, 2018

Karen,
Oh my word we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Dennis.---We have had Charlie's mom in the hospital and now the rest home and just drove by and wondered who the viewing was for tonight.---Dennis was such a great guy. We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you. If you need ANYTHING at all Please let us know.

Charles and Camille Woolsey

Al & Kathy Shepherd

January 23, 2018

We are who we are because he was who he was. What a wonderful man! May our Heavenly Father bless you all with peace.

Shellbi Stika (Millett)

January 23, 2018

Even though your family moved away when I was just a little girl, Dennis always treated me like we were still neighbors. He greeted me with excitement, kindness and he never forgot who I was. I am so sorry for your loss.

Denise Cook

January 23, 2018

Karen,
My condolences for your loss. May your many memories of your years together be a balm to you at this time.
Denise Prisbrey Cook

Katy (Webb) Edwards

January 23, 2018

What a wonderful man and friend we all had in Dennis. Growing up as a youth in his ward brought so many blessings to all of us. He worked so hard to help, teach, laugh with and love all of us. I'm really sad to hear of his health struggles, and his passing. I'm happy he's now evermore experiencing relief from his pain. I feel so very blessed to have had him as an example and friend growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen, and the rest of your family.

Jerry Jones

January 23, 2018

Sorry to hear of your loss.. I didn't know Dennis real well, but when I did meet him, he was a very nice, caring and down to earth gentleman..

Sherri/Bob Delaney

January 23, 2018

Men like Dennis are few and far between, couples like you two are very rare. Altho his journey was met with much pain I know it was always lessened by his family and friends being close. It goes without saying how much he will be missed by all left behind. Karen, you have our deepest condolences, prayers, love and friendship. Should you need anything at all please remember we are just a phone call away.

Mike and Lorraine Thompson

January 23, 2018

Sweet Karen and family,
We have decades of wonderful memories of you and Dennis. He leaves a wonderful legacy of love for you, for life and for people. I don't think anyone could meet Dennis and not feel his enthusiasm and kindness. We have been blessed by him. Our love and prayers are with you all.

Jessica Walker

January 23, 2018

I'm going to miss seeing his wonderful smile, everytime he would see me he would hold his head and say " oh I have a headache now " and we would laugh, last time i saw him he said " i love you Jess". He always knew how to make everyone smile and make them feel loved! My condolences to the family he will be missed dearly!

Tina Riddle

January 23, 2018

We will miss this dear friend. He has touched the lives of so many. Karen, you two made the cutest couple. Thanks for sharing him with us. God bless all of you. Our grandsons will always remember your family's kindness.

Joy Banks/ Grant

January 23, 2018

I am so sad to hear this. I loved running into you guys. Such great people . Wishing your family lots of love and prayers.

Becky Schramm

January 22, 2018

Dear Karen and family,
I truly am sorry for your loss. I really wish I could be there and attend the funeral. My thoughts are with you all and I am sending a big hug for all of you. Take care of yourself.

Mavourneen Lamb

January 22, 2018

Dearest Karen and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of our families' interactions over so many years. Remember you are loved. Dennis and Darwin have reunited and are kidding each other like they always did.

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