Kent R Peatross

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Kent R. Peatross, age 76, a lifelong resident of Duchesne, Utah, passed away on December 25, 2025, on our beloved Savior’s birthday, surrounded by his loving family.

Kent was born on May 10, 1949, in Roosevelt, Utah, to Bill and Jessie Peatross. He was the baby boy of six children and was lovingly spoiled by all—especially his older sister. Kent was raised on a dairy farm, where he developed a lifelong love for agriculture, ranching, and hard work. He embraced the farm and ranch lifestyle from a young age and became a generational cattle rancher, continuing the legacy started by his parents. Because he carried on that tradition, there is now a fourth generation running the ranch. He later ran the ranch alongside his son-in-law and was known for his exceptional ability to fix just about anything.

Kent graduated from Duchesne High School in 1967 and attended Snow College for one year. His father often said, “Kent went to college, but I got the education.” On November 8, 1968, Kent married his high school sweetheart, Susan Mitchell, in the Salt Lake Temple. They began their married life on the Strawberry River, ranching alongside Kent’s father.

After just seven months of marriage, Kent was drafted into the United States Army in 1969, a life-changing event for the young couple. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California, followed by N.C.O. School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where Susan was able to join him. After additional training back at Fort Ord, he was deployed to Vietnam on July 6, 1970. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in April 1971 as a Sergeant, an N.C.O. graduate, a Vietnam combat veteran, and a recipient of the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. Upon returning home, Kent met his firstborn child for the very first time. His deep patriotism and love for his country remained with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Kent and his father expanded the family ranch. He loved riding horses, moving cattle in the mountains, farming, and being outdoors. During this time, his parents were also building a cabin in Avintaquin, which required significant dedication and labor. They built their forever home next to Kent’s parents on the Strawberry River and welcomed their first daughter followed by another daughter and son.

Kent worked for W.W. Clyde, helping build the Starvation Bridge, while continuing to support the ranch whenever possible. He devoted decades to serving his community in numerous leadership roles, including 23 years with the Uintah Basin Telephone Association, serving 8 years as President. He served 13 years on the Central Utah Water Conservancy District Board of Directors, including 2 years as Chairman of the Legal and Legislative Committee. Kent also served 12 years as a Duchesne County Commissioner, 4 years on the Duchesne County Cattlemen’s Board, 3 years on the Duchesne County Fair Board, 20 years with the Duchesne Strawberry Water Users, and 8 years as a member of the County Sheriff Posse.

Kent was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including 6 years as Bishop of the Duchesne 3rd Ward. Of all the ways he served, his favorite was being a temple worker. Kent served in the Vernal Temple for 10 years and 5 months as an ordinance worker, a calling he cherished deeply.

Horses and cattle were a true passion of Kent’s. He loved cattle ranching, farming, and being outdoors, and he took great joy in sharing his knowledge with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Kent exemplified integrity, a strong work ethic, dedication, faith, and values. He was passionate about teaching rising generations pride in their country and respect for the freedoms they enjoy.

Kent was an active member of American Legion Post #22 and lived a life defined by service and patriotism. He often spoke of his three greatest loves—faith, family, and freedom—which he proudly referred to as his three “F’s.” He loved his country. He loved his community. And he loved his family.

Kent is survived by his loving wife, Susan; their four children: Shannon (Jennifer) Peatross, Pinedale, Wyoming; Camille (John) Lefler; Annette (Travis) Clayburn, all of Duchesne, on the Strawberry River; Jared (Aubrey) Peatross, Tooele, Utah; 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; siblings, Loretta Jensen, Talmage; Chad, Ron Peatross, Strawberry River; Sharlyn (Gary) Goold, Delta; Lynette (Bill) Labrum, Roosevelt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jessie Peatross; his beloved grandson, Weston Moon; his sister-in-law, Carma Peatross; and his brothers-in-law, Mark Farnsworth, Arnold Jensen and Roger Mitchell.

Kent R. Peatross will be remembered for his unwavering faith, devotion to family, love of freedom, and a life lived in humble service to God, country, and community.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Duchesne Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There will be a viewing on Friday from 6-8 p.m at the Duchesne County Centennial Events Center and on Saturday at the church from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Burial will be in the Strawberry Cemetery with military honors presented.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Duchesne American Legion Post #22. This can be done directly to them or by calling the Hullinger Mortuary at 435-722-2426 or through the mortuary’s website at www.hullingermortuary.com and clicking on “make a payment.”