Steven Jay Willoughby

Steven Jay Willoughby, age 77, of Oasis, Utah, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Steve was born on April 2, 1948, in Delta, Utah, to Jack and Maria Loenza Stanworth Willoughby. He was raised in Oasis alongside his siblings. From a young age, Steve had a determined spirit, a creative mind, and a mischievous sense of humor that carried through his entire life.

A graduate of Delta High School, Class of 1966, Steve later attended Utah Technical College in Provo, where he studied the wood trades and played basketball—earning a reputation for his grit on the court despite his modest height. He also worked for the railroad and managed a service station before beginning a decades-long career with the Millard School District, where he served as a skilled maintenance worker, bus driver, and eventually the head custodian at Delta Middle School.

Steve faithfully served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Louise Milman, in the Manti Utah Temple on September 4, 1970. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and community.

Steve and Louise raised five children in their Oasis home. He was a devoted father and grandfather—his quiet strength was matched only by his sense of humor, always ready with a clever tease or a perfectly timed wisecrack. His one-acre garden overflowed with onions, tomatoes, and corn—enough to feed half the valley—and in the 1980s, he opened the “Oasis Farmers Market,” a small shop beside his home where he sold fresh produce and a few essentials. His yard was more than a yard—it was a gathering place, a memory factory, and a testament to his love of building and giving. From a zipline in the backyard, a tall treehouse slide, to a star hung impossibly high in the trees and the iconic “Seasons Greetings” sign he faithfully raised each winter, Steve had a gift for turning ordinary things into lifelong memories.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steve served in numerous callings over the years, including ward clerk, financial clerk, elders quorum president, and bishopric counselor. He and Louise also served a mission in the Tallahassee, Florida Mission and were longtime ordinance workers in both the Manti and Payson temples. His service in the temple was especially meaningful to him, and he often spoke of the spiritual experiences he had while helping others come closer to the Savior.

He is survived by his loving wife: Louise Willoughby; his children: Kirk (Marinda) Willoughby, Sherry (Roger) Denbow, Angela Willoughby, and Ben (Tildie) Willoughby; his 13 grandchildren, who brought him immense joy; siblings: Dale, Ethel Sue, and Kay; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who knew him simply as “Uncle Steve.” He was preceded in death by his daughter: Teresa Louise Willoughby; his parents: Jack and Loenza Willoughby; his brothers: Dick and Dan Willoughby; and several other beloved family members.

Steve’s life was one of quiet discipleship, loving service, and light-hearted mischief. His family finds peace in his testimony that “we do not die—we just leave our bodies until the appointed time.” He often said, “Don’t worry ‘bout me,” and now we believe him.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 2:00pm, in the Nickle Mortuary Chapel, 190 S Center St, Delta. Friends may call, 12:30-1:40pm, prior to the service. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com on Saturday following the conclusion of the service. Burial will follow at the Oasis Cemetery.

In his memory, Steve would want you to plant a garden, play with your grandkids or serve someone quietly.