Dorothy Colleen Smith Stevens passed away on August 18, 2021. Colleen was born November 21, 1926 in Lynndyl, Utah to Vilate Jepson and George Hubert Smith. She was the oldest of 5 children, and she survived them all.
She graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah. In 1948, she met Melvin C. Stevens and they were married September 9, 1949. Colleen worked for Mt. Bell/AT&T for over 40 years and was long-distance operator #121. Colleen loved to travel, garden and read. She enjoyed winning a good game of bridge and she loved hosting family get-togethers.
She was endearingly called “Gug” by her 10 grandchildren and 8¾ great-grandchildren. She is survived by her four children, who she was very proud of: Susan (Steven) Kaelin, Cory Jensen, Sid (Marsha) Stevens and Ann (Berdje) Bezdjian. Preceded in death by her parents, siblings and husband.
Funeral services will be held at Garden Park Ward, 1150 E. Yale Avenue, on Wednesday, August 25th at 12 noon. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 11:30. Masks will be required.
For those who wish to view the recording of the services may do so here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/AsDR6P4_I2leQkksDazyWoiTmBR2pUyQ-iYqeqRIRovbLnz6ol468EuXjeCpwjIV.dxJqgiTJU3ktti_s
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Dear Stevens Family,
We want to let you know how very sorry we were to learn your mother had passed away. Dorothy was such a dear friend to my mother, Carol Jensen, who worked with her at Mountain Bell and AT&T for 30+ years together. My mother greatly appreciated your kind phone call the other day. She was so sad to hear about Dorothy’s sudden passing. .
Although we weren’t able to attend the funeral, I was able to bring my I-Pad to my mother and we viewed the beautiful services together in her room at Apple Tree Assisted Living in Kaysville. What a truly lovely tribute you planned for your mother. The music brought my mother to tears, especially the touching medley of piano songs one of Dorothy’s dear granddaughter’s played. Mom said Dorothy always spoke so lovingly about her. The talks by both of you were beautiful and made both my mom and I smile and tear up at the same time. We loved how one of you used her recipe for writing a funeral talk. What a dynamic women she was in your ward with the many positions of importance she held over the years. We loved hearing your cute stories about Dorothy teaching dancing lessons in your kitchen and the fun nick names she gave each of you and her grandchildren. What a lovely tribute Dorothy’s granddaughter gave when she spoke about her many phone calls with her while living in Chicago. I also loved hearing how she gave treats to your dog under the table.
My mother has spoken so kindly and often over the years about your dear mother. She always says how kind she has been to my her,, especially when my dad passed away suddenly at 52 if a heart attack.
Dorothy was so kind to host a wedding shower for me outside in her pretty backyard by her pool many years ago. . I still have photos of that beautiful day.
My mom and Dorothy spoke just a couple of weeks ago. My mom said your mother told her “Carol I just love you and you are such a dear friend” and mom told her she felt the same about her. Mom spoke also about your sweet dad and told me over the years and also on the day of Dorothy’s funeral how he always got a “Mell Christmas tree” which in my house was famously known as a nice, big full Christmas tree”. Mom also told me how she loved the many fun parties your mom hosted in her darling home with passing delicious food through the passage way in your dining room.
I feel like I know your family because I have heard so many fun stories about all of you through my mom. Please accept our sincere condolences and know how much we share your sadness, but we know Dorothy lived such a good life and left behind such a beautiful family and legacy behind. My mom says during the funeral how Dorothy is up there smiling during her funeral listening to it. We were so sorry that my mom couldn’t make it to the funeral in person and she asked me to tell you this too because she is not very strong but she was there in spirit watching over Zoom. Your mother was truly her best friend and that friendship continues, and will so in the next life we are sure.
We want to express our love and deep admiration to your family and especially to Dorothy for the kindness and friendship she has shown to my mother over the years.
Love always to all of you,
Carol Jensen and Debbie Bell
August 25, 2021
Dear Susan, Corey, Sid, and Ann,
What a wonderful legacy you have received from this noble mother. She saw each of you for your true self – daughters and sons of God. She reverenced that great trust of God that was given to her to provide you with the understandings and knowledge of how to live life and be at peace with Him. Values learned at her knee were priceless and you carried them with you as treasures of your hearts.
She was a monument of integrity and all the accolades that this virtue entails. In addition, she was that light unto the world and did so much to dispel darkness and gloom. She left others better than she found them and they were warmed by her mighty soul.
The great work beyond the veil is now hers as she continues her trek to receive the blessings of eternal life and exaltation. She is not alone in that trek and that joyous reunion with your Dad must have been one that we all would love to have seen. I’m certain that the entire Steven’s family were gathered to welcome her home. Since the scriptures tell us that she was taken back home to her Father in Heaven who gave her life, that would be the supernal reunion of that embrace we would cherish.
In remembering, I know how troubled my Mother was when Mel married her. I understand her concern at that time. She loved Mel so deeply and he lived with them for a short time at their home. I saw that same Mother rejoice with time and season as she saw the majesty of your Mother unfold. In time, she was the center of admiration for this noble daughter of God.
As you know, her love for each of you will not dim because of the veil between your mortality and her immortality. With the promise made that “angels are to attend each of you,” consider her desire to be one of them. She is there and always will be. Her simple injunction is to continue to honor your covenants and keep the commandments as you come unto Christ and are perfected in Him. The Steven’s family is eternal with all the blessings that will unfold.
We send our love and gratitude for knowing of her, and being touched by her grace.
Sincerely, Gordon E. Mills