Steven Deloy Hess

Steven Deloy Hess was bom March 5, 1951 to Chester Deloy Hess and Helen Charlotte McWhorter in Salt Lake City, Utah. He passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024 after a long and hard fought battle with Melanoma Cancer.

Steve grew up in two households. The proper, polite and well dressed home of his mother and the farming, horseback riding fields of his father. These opposite environments created a well rounded gentleman. He raised his own children and grandchildren in a lovely combination of both of those worlds.

Steve graduated from Granite High School in 1969. He met the love of his life Karen Kitchens in April of 1969 while working at Little America Hotel in Utah. They fell in love and gave their families a 3 day notice that they were tying the knot. They married August 1st 1969 and were married 54 years. Their first child came along two years later in 1971 squashing the rumors that they “had to get married”. Steve and Karen were the finest example of what marriage should be. Steve loved Mom and respected her throughout their marriage. Always putting the needs of his family first.

Steve worked in the culinary industry for most of his working life. He had an expansive skill set and could formulate recipes out of thin air. He was the camp chef, the wedding caterer and the backyard grill master. He enjoyed sharing his talent for cooking with his daughters and grandchildren.

Steve had a great love of music and over the years learned to play several different instruments. He had an expansive record collection and would often put on Saturday night concerts which his neighbors loved.

Steve enjoyed the outdoors. He always had the best kept yard where he hosted numerous family gatherings. He loved hunting and fishing in his younger years, but once Steve purchased his property “Legacy Ranch”, the second love of his life, he spent all his spare time creating the perfect Legacy. Steve worked hard on his ranch to build and create a family getaway that will be passed along from generation to generation. It was where Steve felt most at peace. It will be forever known as his Legacy.

Steve and Karen had three girls, Windy Hess, Christy Holm and Kelli Dyson. Known collectively as the Hess girls. They were his biggest challenge in this life and his greatest source of happiness (once they had grandchildren). One day his daughter, Kelli married his hunting and fishing buddy, Kerwin. Steve enjoyed having another man in the family although they were still outnumbered. They built many cabins and memories at the Legacy Ranch, however, due to Jack Daniels two of them lean to the left. His girls will miss having their “talks” with Dad. He was the foundation and strength of our family.

Dad had 7 grandchildren that brought him so much joy. Devin Hess, Dominic Hess, Charlie (Jeremy) Benson, Samantha Hess, A.J. Dyson, Reilly (Carsen) Owen and Makenzie Dyson. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Active Home Health and Hospice for all the love and support they have given us over the last year.

A very special thank you to Dr. Caroline Nebhan. You gave us another year! We can’t thank you enough for all the love and caring you gave our family during this difficult diagnosis.

Dad didn’t want a sad funeral where we all sat around and cried. For once, his girls are going to do what he asked. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 13, 2024. We would like to invite friends and loved ones to stop by and share their stories of Steve with his family at the River 3rd Ward from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by a light lunch from 12:30pm to 3pm at 7150 South Callie Drive (1520 W), West Jordan, UT 84084.