Lee Heber Dearden

Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Lee Heber Dearden, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, after a prolonged illness. He was born in Henefer, UT on February 17, 1935, to Stephen Thomas Dearden and Lenora Ann Stephens.

Lee graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber State College. He served eight years in the Navy Air Reserve and two years active duty. Afterwards, he began a successful home building business with his two brothers. During that time, he also started a 38-year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman, later retiring as a conductor.

Lee married the love of his life, Reta Cole, on September 22, 1962, later solemnizing their marriage in the Ogden LDS Temple. They happily celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Reta painstakingly took care of Lee for the past several years while his health declined.

Once he retired, Lee and Reta enjoyed several cruises together, snowbirding in Yuma for 11 years and ushering at Kenley Amphitheater in Layton for 13 years. Lee loved going to breakfast, meeting new people, and never missed a lunch at the Senior Center in Riverdale.

We will forever miss Lee’s quick wit, ironed handkerchiefs, snappy coveralls (in all colors), infallible handyman skills, and above all, his love and kindness.

Lee is survived by his sweetheart Reta, son Douglas (Sandy) Dearden, daughter Misty (Mark) Bond and six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glen, Ralph and Val and sisters Rose and Veda.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 11 am at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

The family wishes to thank Lee’s neighbors for their unending sacrifices and support over the past several years. They would also like to thank Bristol Hospice for their outstanding care, allowing Lee to pass away peacefully.