Deanna W. Klinell

Deanna Watkins Klinell, 89, peacefully passed away on August 25, 2026, in Sandy, Utah. She was born February 18, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, to Lyle Dewey Watkins and Laura Alfreda Myers Watkins.

Deanna's happiest childhood memories were centered around family. She fondly remembered Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, as well as family trips to the “Sniktaw” — the Watkins family cabin in Running Springs, California. After the family moved to Burbank, some of her favorite memories were the birthday and swimming parties around their backyard pool. There were always good times to be had, with as many relatives and friends invited as they could gather. Her parents encouraged their children to develop their talents and taught them the importance of attending church regularly.

Music became one of the great joys and defining influences of Deanna's life. After graduating from high school in Burbank, she spent the summer of 1954 at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, where she studied with concert pianists Rudolf Firkušný and Joanna Graudan. She later attended Los Angeles City College, where she was an excellent student, and continued her piano studies under Joanna Graudan for two and a half years.

Deanna went on to teach piano for 45 years, sharing her love of music with generations of students. She was involved in numerous musical programs and organizations, including the California Music Teachers organization, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the Orange County Musical Arts group.

It was through music that Deanna met Arvin George Klinell, the man who would become her husband and lifelong, eternal companion. They shared not only a deep love of music, but also a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Deanna had a strong and abiding testimony of her Savior throughout her life.

Deanna and George were married on August 15, 1958, in the Los Angeles California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They began their married life in Glendale, California, and later spent many happy years in Tustin, California, where they raised their three children. They eventually made Sandy, Utah, their home.

Throughout their years together, Deanna accompanied George's beautiful baritone voice on the piano. Together they generously shared their musical talents through many Church callings, meetings, programs, and special events. Their marriage was filled with love, devotion, family, faith, and music. They shared 55 years together before George passed away on January 8, 2014. Their family takes comfort in knowing that Deanna and George are together again and that the love, faith, and music they shared throughout their lives continue on the other side.

Deanna grew up with two brothers, Alfred and Mahlon, and her sister, Julie Watkins Whipple. She loved her siblings dearly, and the bond they shared remained strong throughout their lives.

Deanna is survived by her children, Emily Grace Klinell Blankenship (David), Drew James Klinell (Kelly), and Eric Grant Kline (Karen); 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Julie Watkins Whipple and many numerous nieces and nephews (“the cousins”).

A viewing will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., also at Larkin Sunset Gardens.